Sana'a: what to see and whether to move there

What is happening in 2026

Sanaa has been controlled by the Houthi movement since 2014, while Yemen's recognised government works from Aden. Sanaa airport was badly damaged by strikes in December 2024 and May 2025, and in July 2026 government forces attacked its runway. The Houthis then declared the ceasefire over, and on 5 October 2026 the government announced an offensive to retake Sanaa. The city is now an active conflict zone.

We do not recommend considering Sanaa for relocation, work or tourism. This page is for those who want to understand the situation and for families connected to Yemen who need a safe place to live in the region.

Entry and visas

• entry visas to Yemen are suspended for most foreigners, with exceptions for people of Yemeni origin, staff of international organisations, journalists and diplomats;
• the electronic visa introduced in June 2025 is in practice available only to tourist groups through accredited agencies;
• there is practically no regular passenger service to Sanaa, and overland entry crosses front lines.

Money and daily life

The country effectively has two monetary systems. In Houthi-controlled areas the rate holds at about 530 rials per dollar, while in government territory the rial fell to 2,000 and more per dollar in 2025. Banks work with restrictions, international transfers are difficult and payments are in cash. Power, fuel and water shortages are common.

History and the Old City

Sanaa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Old City, with multi-storey mud-brick houses decorated with white patterns, is on the World Heritage list and the list of sites in danger. During the conflict some historic buildings have been damaged by fighting and heavy rain.

If you are connected to Yemen: where to live in the region

We will choose a country and grounds for your family and budget.

How power is divided in Yemen

The north with the capital Sanaa is controlled by the Houthis, and the south and east by the internationally recognised government, which works from Aden. Each side has its own authorities, entry rules and even its own rial exchange rate. Since late 2023 Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have drawn retaliatory strikes on targets in Yemen, including the airport and ports.

Humanitarian situation

Yemen remains one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises: a large share of the population depends on aid, healthcare is shattered and disease outbreaks occur. International organisations work under restrictions. Phone and internet service exist but are intermittent and controlled by local authorities.

Aden and other cities

Aden in the south is the temporary capital of the recognised government, and Aden airport receives flights by the national airline. It is calmer there than on the front line, but also unstable. For trips to relatives in the south, check the route and documents in advance, as the situation changes quickly.

If relatives remain in Sanaa

Transfers to Houthi-controlled areas go through a limited set of banks and money transfer systems, with checks and delays, so agree the amount and method in advance. Consular matters for Russian citizens concerning Yemen are handled by an embassy temporarily working outside the country. Documents for relatives moving to a third country, such as passports, birth and marriage certificates, should be prepared early: issuing and legalising them in Yemen takes a long time.

Is the city worth considering

No. Sanaa is in armed conflict, the airport is damaged, visas are not issued to most foreigners, and banks and communications work intermittently. If you need to live near family in Yemen, the neighbouring Gulf states or Turkey are safer.