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Yemen, a country located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history and unique geographic features that make it a fascinating study. Despite its challenging economic situation and political instability, Yemenis have shown a resilient spirit in exploring opportunities for outbound tourism. As of August 2024, Yemenis can travel to 33 countries visa free, reflecting a significant improvement in their global mobility. This article delves into Yemen’s historical and geographical context, its standing in the Henley Passport Index, its economic landscape, and the dynamics of its outbound tourism.

Yemen boasts a deep historical heritage, dating back to ancient times with civilizations like the Sabaeans and Himyarites. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Old City of Sana’a and the Historic Town of Zabid. Geographically, Yemen is characterized by its diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush highlands and a lengthy coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan stated, “This initiative marks a monumental shift for Yemen’s outbound travel industry, enabling Yemeni citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. By offering visa-free access to 33 countries as of August 2024, including popular destinations like Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, Turkiye is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these nations. This move is set to inspire more Yemeni travelers to embark on international journeys, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.”

Henley Passport Index

In the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, Yemen’s passport is relatively weak. As of the latest ranking, Yemen is placed near the bottom, with its citizens having visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 33 countries. This limited access underscores the difficulties Yemeni travelers face in global mobility.

Visa free Countries:

• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Micronesia
• Niue
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria

Visa on Arrival:

• Tuvalu
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Guinea-Bissau
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Macao (SAR China)
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Palau Islands
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Tajikistan
• Timor-Leste

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

Yemen’s Economy and GDP

Yemen’s economy continues to face significant hurdles as ongoing conflict and regional tensions exacerbate the nation’s economic and humanitarian crises, according to the World Bank’s latest Yemen Economic Monitor. The country’s GDP is projected to contract by 1.0% in 2024, following a 2.0% contraction in 2023 and a modest growth of 1.5% in 2022. Between 2015 and 2023, Yemen experienced a 54% decline in real GDP per capita, leaving the majority of Yemenis in poverty. Food insecurity affects half the population, and youth mortality rates have surged.

The fiscal situation of the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) deteriorated significantly in 2023. Fiscal revenues declined by over 30%, driven by a substantial drop in oil revenues and diminished customs revenues due to the redirection of imports from Aden to Houthi-controlled ports. In response, the IRG implemented severe expenditure cuts, impacting essential public services and long-term economic growth.

The current account deficit widened to 19.3% of GDP in 2023, up from 17.8% in 2022. The blockade on oil exports significantly impacted the trade deficit, while foreign reserves remained relatively stable due to financial support from partners, including the conversion of IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

The resumption of monetary financing by the IRG heightened inflationary pressures. However, inflation rates varied across regions, with Sana’a experiencing deflation at -11.8% and Aden facing elevated inflation at 7.0% due to currency depreciation. Additionally, the cost of essential goods has surged in Aden, with many families now spending over 60% of their income on food alone.

In summary, Yemen’s economic and humanitarian crises are worsening due to ongoing conflict and regional tensions. The country’s GDP is contracting, poverty is rampant, and food insecurity is severe. The fiscal situation is dire, with significant revenue declines and expenditure cuts. The trade deficit is widening, and inflationary pressures are rising, particularly in Aden, where families are struggling to afford basic necessities.

Yemen Outbound Tourism Dynamics

The 2023 Economic Impact report by the World Travel & Tourism Council underscores the significant role of travel and tourism in Yemen’s economic landscape. Despite global challenges, such as inflation, economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and the climate crisis, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and potential for growth. In 2022, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Yemen’s GDP was YER 201.3 billion, representing 2.2% of the total GDP. This figure is expected to grow by 1.8% annually, reaching YER 245.2 billion by 2033. Employment in the sector also showed promising trends, with 99,477 jobs directly generated in 2022, accounting for 1.6% of total employment. By 2033, this number is projected to increase to 116,330 jobs. Additionally, international visitor spending in Yemen was YER 44.6 billion in 2022, with a forecasted rise to YER 65.3 billion by 2033. The report highlights that, despite the setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism sector is on a robust recovery path, contributing significantly to the global economy and job creation. The continued investment and focus on sustainability and capacity-building are crucial for maintaining this positive trajectory in Yemen’s travel and tourism industry.

Top Outbound Destinations for Yemeni Travelers

According to GlobalData’s 2023 report on Travel & Tourism in Yemen, the most popular destinations for Yemeni travelers include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, Jordan, and India. The full list of top destinations is as follows:

1. Saudi Arabia
2. Egypt
3. Turkiye
4. Jordan
5. India
6. Malaysia
7. Kuwait
8. Ethiopia
9. China
10. Lebanon

Yemen’s Key Airports and Airlines

Key Airports in Yemen

Yemen, a country with a rich historical tapestry and diverse geographical features, has several key airports that facilitate both domestic and international travel. These airports play a crucial role in connecting Yemen to the rest of the world, especially given the country’s challenging geopolitical situation.

Sana’a International Airport (SAH)

Sana’a International Airport, located in the capital city of Sana’a, is the largest and most significant airport in Yemen. It serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights. Despite the ongoing conflict and occasional disruptions, Sana’a International Airport remains a vital link for Yemenis traveling abroad. The airport has a single terminal handling both international and domestic flights. It features basic amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. The runway can accommodate various types of aircraft, making it capable of handling large passenger jets.

Aden International Airport (ADE)

Aden International Airport is located in the southern port city of Aden. This airport is of strategic importance due to its location near the Arabian Sea, serving as a gateway to the southern parts of Yemen. Aden International Airport has undergone significant renovations to improve its facilities and infrastructure. The airport has one terminal that handles both international and domestic flights. The amenities include basic retail outlets, restaurants, and waiting areas. Given its strategic location, the airport is crucial for humanitarian aid and international travel.

Seiyun Airport (GXF)

Seiyun Airport is situated in the Hadhramaut region, serving the city of Seiyun and its surrounding areas. This airport is especially important for travelers from the eastern parts of Yemen. While smaller than Sana’a and Aden airports, Seiyun Airport plays a critical role in regional connectivity. The airport has a modest terminal with essential services and amenities. It primarily handles domestic flights, but there are occasional international flights, especially to neighboring countries.

Mukalla International Airport (RIY)

Mukalla International Airport, also known as Riyan Airport, serves the coastal city of Mukalla in the Hadhramaut region. The airport supports both passenger and cargo flights, playing a vital role in the transportation of goods and people in this region. Mukalla International Airport has a single terminal with limited facilities. It primarily focuses on domestic flights, with some international services, particularly to Gulf countries.

Prominent Airlines in Yemen

The aviation sector in Yemen has faced numerous challenges due to the ongoing conflict and geopolitical instability. Despite these challenges, several airlines continue to operate, providing essential connectivity for Yemenis.

Yemenia (Yemen Airways)

Yemenia, the national carrier of Yemen, is the primary airline operating in the country. Established in 1962, Yemenia has a long history of serving the Yemeni population and connecting the country to various international destinations. Yemenia operates a limited number of international flights due to the current situation. Destinations include cities in the Middle East, such as Jeddah, Cairo, and Amman. The airline’s fleet comprises several aircraft, including Airbus A320s and A310s. Yemenia strives to maintain safety and service standards despite the challenges it faces.

Felix Airways

Felix Airways, a smaller Yemeni airline, was established in 2008 and offers both domestic and regional flights. The airline aims to provide affordable and reliable air travel within Yemen and to neighboring countries. Felix Airways operates flights to several domestic destinations, including Sana’a, Aden, and Seiyun. It also has regional flights to destinations in the Gulf. The airline’s fleet primarily consists of Bombardier CRJ aircraft, suitable for short to medium-haul flights.

Saudia (Saudi Airlines)

Saudi Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, operates flights to and from Yemen, primarily serving Yemeni pilgrims and business travelers. Saudia provides essential connectivity for Yemeni travelers, especially for those heading to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The airline operates modern aircraft, ensuring a high standard of service and safety.

Yemen’s outbound tourism is shaped by its historical and geographical context, economic challenges, and the limited mobility afforded by its passport. Despite these hurdles, Yemenis continue to seek opportunities abroad, driven by various socio-economic factors. Understanding these dynamics offers insights into the resilient spirit of Yemeni travelers and the ongoing efforts to connect with the wider world.