Print page. The ongoing conflict and the extreme threat of terrorism and kidnapping presents a significant risk to New Zealanders in Yemen. As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Yemen, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. You should take this absence of available consular assistance into consideration if you decide to remain in Yemen against our advice. Security Advice New Zealanders who choose to remain in Yemen against our advice should avoid any unnecessary travel, keep a low profile, maintain a high degree of personal security awareness and take all possible security precautions to ensure their safety.
Extreme caution should be exercised in public places and, due to the threat of kidnapping, we recommend varying travel times and routes to avoid establishing predictable behaviour. Do not advertise your travel or other plans through social media. In addition, we strongly recommend seeking professional security advice. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely. New Zealanders remaining in Yemen should have their own contingency plan for departure in place and ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, cash and essential medication stockpiled.
Protracted conflict has led to a severe breakdown in government services and supplies of staple goods across Yemen. Airport infrastructure and ports have suffered damage in the conflict, and most international flights have been suspended. Ongoing conflict The security environment in Yemen is highly unstable and the political situation remains volatile. There is ongoing conflict throughout the country between government forces, Houthi rebels and other groups, with a high risk of gunfire and indiscriminate shelling.
There have been a number of clashes along the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border, resulting in deaths and casualties. There is no central government control over many parts of the country,overland travel is dangerous and should not be contemplated without expert local advice.
Airstrikes continue to be conducted by a Saudi Arabia led coalition against Houthi targets. New Zealanders in Yemen are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Military parades, significant dates and political anniversaries can act as a catalyst for terrorism, violence and civil unrest. Terrorism There is an extreme threat from terrorism in Yemen. The absence of effective government control over parts of the country means extremist and terrorist groups, such as Islamic State in Yemen and Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula AQAP , are able to operate and conduct attacks.
