Yemen is on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, and sharing borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Yemen has had a troubled recent history with civil wars and tribal conflicts predominating.
Saudi Arabia contains the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, to which all physically and financially able Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage at least once if possible (see Hajj).
Major cities and tourist attractions
- Sana'a — the capital.
- Aden — seaside former capital of South Yemen.
- Al Hudayda — a relatively large city on the Red Sea with beautiful beaches
- Al Mukalla — East Yemen's biggest city and bustling port, the gateway to the historical Hadhramaut region
- Dhamar
- Ibb
- Kawkaban
- Mokha — birthplace of one of the greatest things known to man: mocha coffee.
- Shibam/Seiyun/Tarim — the three famous historical towns of Hadhramaut, perhaps Yemen's most fascinating and exotic destination
- Ta'izz
Major Airports
Sana'a.
Visa Requirements
Visa regulations change quite regularly, and an embassy should be contacted to make certain that the relevant documentation is obtained. As of January 2010, visas on arrival are no longer available, and citizens of most countries (with the possible exception of Gulf Co-operation Council members) need advance visas. Most visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issue (3 months for European Union, but sometimes it depends on the mood of the official dealing with you) and should be kept with the passport at all times before being surrendered at departure. For more information on tour packages and entry requirements, get in touch with Incense Caravan [4], a reputable tour operator in Sana'a. As of Jan 21, 2010 Yemeni authority suspended all visa on arrival at all Yemeni ports. this action was taken to minimize the threat of terrorism in Yemen.
