Britain on Friday closed its embassy in Yemen in light of "a high threat from terrorism".

"There is a high threat from terrorism and evidence that terrorists may target Western, including British, interests in Yemen," the Foreign Office said in a statement. "Our Embassy is currently closed for the weekend."

"...and in light of a current, credible threat to western interests, the Embassy will temporarily suspend services on Saturday," the ministry said, without specifying the threat.

"You should be particularly vigilant in places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, " the ministry said, stressing that the situation would be kept under review.

"Foreigners wishing to travel to the governorates north of Sana 'a and to Hadhramaut will need prior permission for the Yemen Tourist Police," it added.

"The safety of our staff is paramount...We are continuing to monitor the security situation," a spokesman for the Foreign Office told reporters.