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Official Name: Republic of Yemen (ROY)
Location: The Republic of Yemen lies in the southwest corner
of the Arabian
Peninsula. Saudi Arabia borders it on the north, by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden
in the South, by Sultanate of Oman in the East and by the Red Sea on the West.
Area: 555000 square km
Capital: Sana'a
Business center: Aden
Inhabitants: 16 804654 (Projection 2000: 18,0 Mio.)
History: The history of the Yemeni civilization is more than
3000 Years old. Yemen is the Land of the legendary queen of Sheba, which is mentioned in
the Holy Koran and in the Bible.
Religion:The Islam is religion of the Republic of Yemen.
Official Language:Yemenis speak Arabic, English is the second
language and is widely spoken and understood in the main cities and in the most tourist
Hotels.
Currency & Money to Bring
The country currency is the Yemeni Rial (YR) Bank note available 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50,
20, 10, 5, and 1 YR. Coins 10, 5 and 1 YR. Foreign currency can be everywhere exchanged.
There isn't any obligatory money exchange in Yemen anymore. Traveler checks and credit
cards will be accepted in large hotels in Sana'a, Aden and Taiz. In Souqs you can
occasionally pay by traveler check (silver dealers). Be sure to have enough cash, anyway.
Travel Inland
If you want to have a closer look of Yemeni life beyond Sana'a, you should better have
Yemeni guide who is familiar with the country. We are able to give you help full hints and
advises concerning your individual travel program.
Alcohol – In the entire country of Yemen alcohol is
served only in some hotels.
Visa/ Passport
It is easy to travel through the unified Yemen Republic. One can go to almost any part of
the country. To visit the Republic of Yemen it is necessary to have a passport, which is
still valid for three months at least. No Israeli endorsement is allowed. Visa may be
prolonged in Sana'a if necessary, one week before your visa becomes invalid. Requests for
visas are trouble free, not too complicated. Application forms you should order in the
Yemeni consulates (triple version/ photographs) in your country or by our company.
Post Telephone:
Post office is open Saturday - Wednesday 8 a.m. – 12 a.m./ 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Communicational systems (state or private) are normally open from 8 a.m. To mid- night.
The system is reliable even outside Sana'a though there is no phone boxes. But everywhere
you find possibilities to phone in small shops. Yemen international code ++967 (01) Sana'a
(02) Aden (0540) Sayun, (0530) Mukalla
Time Zone: GMT + 3 hours
Difference between MET and Yemen local time is time plus 2 hours in winter season. Summer
season is local time plus 1 hour.
Taking Photographs
Don't take pictures of women, even girls, without their “o.k.”. Otherwise you
might be confronted with serious trouble, i.e. Take away your camera etc. On the other
hand Yemen offers a multitude of natural motives for your camera. Films are available
lover in Yemen for a reasonable price.
Meals & Drinks
Yemeni dishes are rich of vitamins and convenient to everybody. In the nor famous dish is
Saltah. SALTAH is a steamy, hot – bubbling liquid with out of clover and gravy.
Moreover there is fresh made bread, mixed vegetables, rice, good matured mutton, beef and
chicken. In Hadramout you can try well spiced lamb meat accomplished Assal-Dou' ani
(delicious honey). Concerning drinks Qisher, Bun and Shahi (tea) are very popular. Qisher
is made of roasted coffee skin adding cardamom and different other spices. Bun is strong
Arabian coffee traditionally brewed. Taste also fresh mixed fruit juices, lemon, mango,
and papaya. Mineral water you find everywhere.
Health & Medical treatment:
There is no vaccination proof required by the authorities though malaria and hepatitis
prophylaxes are advisable. Drink only licensed mineral – water In numerous Yemeni
hospitals and first aid – stations Yemeni and foreign surgeons do their service
excellently and medicaments are everywhere available.
What to Wear?
Caused by the climatic conditions it is advisable to wear light cotton clothing especially
in Tihama and Marib region. Consider bringing a light pullover and a warm jacket hillside.
Against sunburns and dust you should wear a cap. Yemen is an Islamic country that means
shorts, uncovered arms, and T – Shirts especially by women does harm the Yemeni's
sense of shame. Tourists should respect the Yemenis and the customs of the country.
Public Transport
Taxi and large taxi mainly supply transport. These are small Japanese busses which run on
distinct routes in Sana'a, Aden, Taiz, Hodeida and Mukalla. They stop at distinct halts
not always perceivable by tourists. They also serve routes between larger towns.
Custom Clearance
Usual custom clearance is applicable. Tourists may bring one- liter alcohol.
Videocassettes will be proofed at the airport. Film – and Videocassettes must be
listed in passport. Journals and magazines will be seriously looked at for pornographic
items. Possible nudist pictures will be extinguished – no matter whether book or
magazine.
Souvenirs
Craftsmanship is very old in Yemen. Some attractive souvenirs:
Gold jeweler (imported; price per weight)
Silver (only antique is pure), pearls of amber/ coral, oil – lamps made of stone/
alabaster, Arabian linen, Jambijas etc. Cassettes playing Yemeni Rock and Classic music
are cheap. You can also buy handmade baskets, pottery and coins of Maria – Theresa
(these are copies).
Jambija
No dress is complete for Yemeni man without the Jambija especially in the northern. The
Jambija is a crooked dagger. Silver: In former times silver showed the social as well as
economical status.
Electricity The Voltage is 220v. / 50 khz
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