Citizens of Russia who are going to stay in Yemen for the purpose of tourism for no more than 90 days do not need to apply for a visa in advance. They will be able to get it at the airport in Sana’a or at the border crossings. Upon arrival, tourists fill out a migration card, pay a visa fee, after which the visa is pasted into the passport. You must have a passport with you, valid for at least 6 months from the end of the planned trip, in some cases return tickets may be required. It is worth noting that the issuance of a visa will be denied to persons who have visas or entry marks of the State of Israel in their passports. The received visa gives the right to stay in the country for a month. Its validity period is 3 months.
Russian tourists can apply for a visa in advance at the Yemeni Embassy in Moscow. To do this, you must provide:
– a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the planned trip,
– three photographs 3×4 cm
– three questionnaires filled out in Russian, English or Arabic and signed personally by the applicant
– a hotel reservation, a tourist voucher or an invitation from a private person.
The visa is issued within 7 days.
Import and export of national and foreign currencies is not limited. Allowed duty-free import of up to 600 cigarettes or 60 cigars, or 450 gr. tobacco, 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims), 1 bottle of perfume or toilet water, gold jewelry with a total weight of up to 350 gr. (for women), medicines necessary for the duration of the trip, for which a certificate from the attending physician must be available, as well as souvenirs and gifts totaling no more than 100,000 Yemeni rials. It is forbidden to import printed and video products of erotic content, firearms, drugs and any items and things of Israeli origin. The export of antiques is prohibited.
Embassy in Yemen
Yemen, embassy in Moscow
Metro station Park Kultury (Koltsevaya line) or Smolenskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line), 2nd Neopalimovsky per., 6.
Tel. (8-499) 246-06-48, 246-44-27.
Fax: 230-23-05.
Yemen, Russian Embassy in the country:
City of Sana, st. September 26, PO Box 1087.
Tel: (967-1) 278-719.
Fax: (967-1) 283-142.
Communication in Yemen
Payphones can be found only in large cities of the country. It is best to call abroad from the offices of telephone companies or from any landlines using prepaid calling cards. Calling cards are sold at telephone company offices, post offices and shops.
In order to call from Russia to Yemen, you need to dial 8 – 10 – 967 (country code) – area code – subscriber number. Sana’a area code – 01, Aden city – 02, Socotra islands – 6.
In order to call from Yemen to Russia, you need to dial 00 – 7 – area code – subscriber’s number.
Emergency Phones in Yemen
Emergency services (ambulance and fire department) – 191
Road rescue service – 194
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1 – New Year’s Day
May 1 – Labor Day
May 22 – National Unity
Day September 26 – 1962 Revolution Day
October 14 – Revolution Day in South Yemen
November 30 – Independence Day
Islam is the state religion of Yemen. Many Muslim holidays are celebrated throughout the year. They are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so they have dates floating from year to year. The main Muslim holidays are the Islamic New Year – Muharram (December-January), the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad – Maulid (March-April), the end of the holy month of Ramadan – Eid al-Fitr (the ninth month of the lunar calendar), and the feast of sacrifice – Eid al- Adha (November-December). During Muslim holidays and during Ramadan, the opening hours of many institutions change. Weekends in Yemen are Thursday and Friday.
SHOPS
According to thembaprograms, shops are open from Saturday to Wednesday – from 08:00 to 21:00 with a lunch break from 13:00 to 16:00. On Thursday, shops are open from 08:00 to 13:00.
TIPS
In restaurants, tips are most often already included in the bill, but if you liked the service, you can leave 10-15% of the amount indicated on the bill.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Yemenis are friendly and hospitable towards tourists who follow the elementary rules of behavior that are typical for most Arab countries. When shaking hands with locals or when exchanging any items with them, you should use only your right hand, since in Islam the left hand is considered unclean. If you are invited to enter the house, you must take off your shoes. Shoes are also removed when visiting mosques. Yemen is one of the few countries in the Middle East that has not abandoned the tradition of chewing the leaves and young shoots of a mountain plant – khat. Kat has a mild narcotic effect. Almost all locals chew kat. It mainly happens in the afternoon after a hearty lunch and continues until the evening.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50Hz;
HEALTH
It is highly recommended to take out medical insurance before you travel. It is also recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis and rabies. If you are going to travel to the south of the country or are planning a trip to areas below 2000 m, then it is worthwhile to carry out prophylaxis against malaria. Bottled water must be used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice. Meat and fish must undergo heat treatment, vegetables must be well washed and scalded with boiling water, and fruits must be peeled.
The country has a high level of solar radiation, especially in the summer. In addition, in coastal areas, air humidity often exceeds 90%. In this regard, it is recommended to wear hats and light cotton clothing that covers the entire body. Always carry sunscreen and a small supply of water with you.
