8 Day South Yemen Expedition

The security situation in the Hadhramaut region has remained relatively stable over the past few years. Of course, there are risks involved with traveling in Mainland Yemen, but we work with an experienced team who carefully mitigates the risks of travel in Yemen. Our team receives routine security reports for the areas we will visit on the mainland and will alter the itinerary as they see fit to keep the group safe. 

This 8 Day South Yemen Expedition will begin by catching a flight from Cairo to Seiyun. The trip ends in Seiyun with us catching a flight from Seiyun back to Cairo.

Yemenia provides a flight from Cairo to Seiyun on Saturdays, however, it isn't possible to book this ticket online as it is a charter flight. Get in contact and we will facilitate the booking process. 

Nearly all nationalities require a Yemeni visa in order to visit. We will handle the Yemeni visa process for you. All we need is a scan of your passport info page. We will apply for your visa and once it is approved we will send you a document of visa approval. This visa approval document should be printed and brought with you to the airport in order to board your flight to Seiyun. On arrival in Seiyun, this document will be exchanged for a stamp in your passport. We will need approximately 3 weeks to get your visa secured for you. 

Additionally, you will need security clearance for traveling in Mainland Yemen. We will attain this document for you.

To join any Safar Expeditions departure you will need to carry an active travel insurance plan. Be aware that Yemen's remote nature and limited medical facilities pose very real challenges in the event of medical emergencies and serious illness. Because of this, it is recommended to select an insurance plan that covers both medical care and evacuation. 

We recommend using IATI travel insurance for medical coverage and an evacuation plan from Global Rescue. Prescriptions and even some over-the-counter medications can be difficult to find in Yemen, so make sure to bring any meds you need or may need with you.

Officially the Yemeni Rial is the currency used in Yemen. Note that the Yemeni Rial is quite volatile to fluctuations. The Rial can vary between 500-1500 Rial to the US dollar. 

There are simple money exchange offices in Seiyun where money can be exchanged for Yemeni Rials. US dollars seem to net the best rates and bills must be new and crisp without any markings, folds, tears, etc. You may want to exchange a small amount into Rials on arrival for smaller purchases. 

Credit cards are not accepted anywhere.

Yes, we do provide a suggested packing list and preparation guide for our Yemen expeditions that can be viewed here. 

The cuisine in South Yemen is flavorful and delicious. You can expect meat dishes along the way such as chicken, goat, and camel, and fresh seafood in coastal areas. Typically meals are accompanied by a simple salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and yogurt. Rice and bean dishes are common sides served at lunch and dinner, and no Yemeni meal would be complete without flatbread and shai (tea). 

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs. 

Yemeni society is very conservative. While in Mainland Yemen you will need to dress in local garb for security purposes. 

For men, this means long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders, or even better the Yemeni traditional outfit of a fouta (a sarong-like fabric wrapped like a skirt) and a button-down shirt. Foutas can be purchased on arrival in Seiyun.

Women visiting Mainland Yemen are expected to be fully covered while in public, even foreigners. Black abayas and hijabs are required while we are out, and in certain areas, you may be expected to wear a niqab. 

Yemen Mobile has coverage in the Hadhramaut region and SIM cards can be purchased by foreigners in Seiyun. Most foreign mobile companies do not have a relationship with Yemen Mobile, so your home plan likely will not work.

In Mainland Yemen, we will have electricity each evening but note that rolling blackouts aren't unheard of.

Alcohol and illicit substances are not allowed in Yemen. Drones are not allowed into Mainland Yemen without obtaining a media permit that includes a drone on your gear list. This must be arranged well in advance of arrival and will incur an additional cost.

Yemen forbids all Israeli nationals, people born in Israel, and any traveler with proof of travel to Israel in their passports (including border stamps from Egypt and Jordan) from entering the country. 

While some of the distances covered on this South Yemen itinerary aren't long, road trips in Yemen are slow going owing to rough roads, checkpoints, and roadblocks. You can expect drive times to vary between most destinations on our itinerary between 1-5 hours but are always subject to delays.

While some of the distances covered on this South Yemen itinerary aren't long, road trips in Yemen are slow going owing to rough roads, checkpoints, and roadblocks. You can expect drive times to vary between most destinations on our itinerary between 1-5 hours but are always subject to delays.

Yes, a minimum of 4 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn't reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.