|
|
|
|||||||
|
Visas are required for all visitors to Yemen (except some nationals of certain countries), Visas can be obtained easily by any tourist office, there are no difficulties or special requirements to obtain a visa for Yemen. Health certificates indicating valid vaccinations are only required from travelers arriving in Yemen from afflicted countries . It is advisable to take antimalarial pills when visiting some areas in Yemen like Tihama. Main cities like Sana'a and Aden are considered malaria free. Immigration forms are given to you on the plane and have to be handed in at passport control. Customs officers check the luggage closely for alcohol, video tapes and magazines that contain sex pictures. As a foreigner and a tourist you will be treated in special way every where in Yemen. The Currency is the Yemeni Rial (YR), divided into 100 Fills, the Fills, however, is no longer in use. Banknotes are available in One, Five, Ten, Twenty, Fifty, One Hundred, Two Hundred and Five Hundred Rials You can exchange money at any exchange office in the main cities, there is no official exchange rate for YR, and there is no black market to exchange money. The exchange rate is quite stable ranging between 127YR-130YR to 1 US$. · During the last two and a half decades, Yemen has been considered a safe country for foreigners to live in . Generally, foreigners are treated with respect and are seen as being here for the benefit of the country. However the economic and political climate has deteriorated during 1993 - 94 and the security situation worsened, but these days the situation is better, and the country has became more stable and secure for all foreigners. Do not worry specially if you are within a tourist group. But if you are in a hired car be careful as some remote roads are not safe and your car might be hijacked, this is the case not only for the foreigners but for any one who is driving luxury car. · There is mutual curiosity among Yemenis and expatriates to learn about each other's culture. The quickest way is to invite friends to one's home . An old Yemeni tradition holds that the one who has shared a meal with you will not be your enemy. Yemenis take great pride in showing generous hospitality to their friends, and in the countryside foreign travelers are often invited to eat and spend the night in Yemeni houses. Arab hospitality is expressed in terms of plentiful food and generous sprinklings of perfume on the departing guests. The family, the family is viewedas the God-willed way of life. A foreign resident's family therefore is treated with respect, and children in particular attract attention and warmth. Complete strangers may come up to you and kiss your baby or small child - something you can hardly prevent. · To appreciate Yemen's considerable natural beauty, one has to leave the city and explore the countryside . While the main roads are well surfaced and travelling them is a comfortable experience, taking to the rugged mountain tracks in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is an adventure well worth the effort . The serpentine mountain roads offer breathtaking views into Wadis lined by countless man-made terraces. Visit the barren eastern mountains with their fascinating rock formations and be awed by the encroaching desert's sand dunes. Dive into the clear waters of the Red Sea or the ndian Ocean or explore the tropical flora and fauna of the lower wadis with their clear monsoon streams and unique settlements and culture. And if you like the off beat, do not miss the experience of crossing the desert "Ramlat Assaba'atyin" on the southern corner of the Rub'a-alkhali, between Marib and Shabwa, the shortest way to the famous Wadi Hadramout. You can follow the ancient Gold and Incense Road along the edge of the desert. In Marib you can visit the old great Marib dam, The Queen of Sheba temple and the remains of ancient civilizations.. To enjoy the varied scenery, explore mysterious historical sites, marvel at the architecture, and most of all meet the people, many of whom maintain their original ways of life, is an unforgettable experience . Wherever you go, children will appear curious, boisterous, and sometimes annoying, you do not need to give them any thing , just small smile and show some good humor and they will love you. · Men and children (male&female) are willing to have their picture taken , but be more cautious with women. Photographing women, even if veiled , is considered very rude and risky. Also be careful not to photograph military sites, airports or harbors, which are restricted security areas, try not to photograph bad sights of Yemen like garbage ..etc this will create bad feelings toward those who want to reflect bad ideas about the country. Despite the restrictions Yemen is a photographer's paradise. Some of your shots of traditional activities, like ploughing with the help of a donkey or grinding sesame with a camel, have potential historic value, because the old ways, now still widely observed, are destined to become things of the past. |
