Yemen · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Sana'a scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No — Sana'a is not safe for travelers; the composite risk is HIGH and official advisories mandate avoidance. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Yemen · Assessed 29 July 2026
18
/ 100
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 18 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.”
Updated 2026-07-22T12:47:16Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Yemen: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are reported in crowded market districts such as Al‑Khadhra and near the main bus station, especially after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs in busy souks and transport hubs like Sana'a Airport and the central market, where visitors’ belongings are easy targets
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Extremely negative
48/100
Recent traveler reports describe feeling unsafe, with 29 % of respondents saying they would not recommend visiting Sana'a.
No — Sana'a is not safe for travelers; the composite risk is HIGH and official advisories mandate avoidance.
The multi‑database profile shows a composite safety index of 14/100 (HIGH RISK) with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from Canada and the UK. Conflict‑related scores are low (23) while crime and health scores are moderate to high, reflecting frequent armed clashes, terrorism threats, and limited medical infrastructure.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Sana'a is currently one of the world’s most hazardous urban destinations. The composite safety index of 14 / 100 and the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” orders from Canada and the UK leave no doubt that the city is unsafe for visitors. Ongoing fighting between Houthi forces and government troops has produced frequent missile strikes, airport shutdowns, and road closures that can trap travelers without warning. Even basic services such as electricity, water, and medical care are intermittent, and the nearest hospital lies only 0.8 km away but may be inaccessible during clashes.
Recent incidents underscore the volatility. In July 2026, Houthi‑aligned forces clashed with state security over control of Sana'a International Airport, launching missiles at Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport and forcing the capital’s airport to remain closed to civilian flights (The New Arab, 15 Jul 2026). The U.S. State Department’s June 2026 advisory specifically warned of rising kidnappings and drone attacks in the capital, reinforcing the need to avoid all non‑essential travel. Travel‑focused outlets such as Business Insider have also highlighted Yemen as the top danger for U.S. tourists (04 Apr 2026).
For a visitor, the practical risks translate into moderate robbery and pickpocketing threats in crowded areas like Al‑Khadhra market and the central bus station, especially after dark. Opportunistic theft often targets tourists who stand out in dense souks. Fake charity appeals and unlicensed “guided tours” have been reported as scams that prey on foreigners seeking safe passage or cultural insight. Registering with your embassy’s travel‑alert system, keeping a photocopy of your passport separate from the original, and carrying a charged satellite phone are essential steps to mitigate these risks.
In short, the data paints a clear picture: Sana'a is presently unsafe. The combination of armed conflict, limited consular support, and everyday crime means that travelers should treat any visit as a high‑risk endeavor. If you must be in Yemen for essential reasons, stay in well‑secured accommodations, limit movement to daylight hours, avoid all public gatherings, and maintain constant communication with emergency contacts. Under no circumstances should you rely on local transport or accept offers from unverified guides.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Sana'a districts for visitors, 4 needing caution and 4 best avoided. See them plotted on the Sana'a safety map.
Old CityavoidHigh conflict intensity, frequent clashes, and targeted attacks on infrastructure make it extremely unsafe for visitors
Al-QasravoidProximity to active frontlines and frequent artillery exchanges render it unsafe for travelers
Al-MukhallaavoidNeighborhood with documented militia activity and high risk of kidnapping
Al-Ma’afiravoidArea with frequent drone strikes and checkpoint delays; no reliable consular support
Al-HasabacautionResidential area with moderate crime risk; stay alert especially after dark due to sporadic security checkpoints
Al-TahrircautionCommercial hub with higher foot traffic; opportunistic theft possible but generally less volatile than conflict zones
Al-SabeencautionMixed-use district near government buildings; risk of sudden protests or security operations
Al-SaydacautionResidential area with occasional shelling; avoid night travel and large gatherings
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are reported in crowded market districts such as Al‑Khadhra and near the main bus station, especially after dark
After dark, be most careful around Old City, Al-Qasr, Al-Mukhalla, Al-Ma’afir. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
No — Sana'a is not safe for travelers; the composite risk is HIGH and official advisories mandate avoidance. The multi‑database profile shows a composite safety index of 14/100 (HIGH RISK) with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from Canada and the UK. Conflict‑related scores are low (23) while crime and health scores are moderate to high, reflecting frequent armed clashes, terrorism threats, and limited medical infrastructure. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Old City, Al-Qasr, Al-Mukhalla, Al-Ma’afir as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Sana'a ranks #1 of 3 Yemen destinations we've assessed, scoring 18/100. See the Yemen safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Yemen safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: sana-a.json (CC BY 4.0).
