When travelling to a destination such as Socotra there is always a lot of misinformation out there. Yes, it is in Yemen, but it is very different to Yemen in many ways. Here are the frequently asked questions that we get asked about travel to0 Socotra with the real up-to-date answers.
Is it safe to travel to Socotra?
Yes, absolutely it is safe. Socotra is far from any conflict in the Gulf regions of the Middle East and also far from any domestic issues that mainland Yemen experiences. If you are looking to tick of Yemen from your bucket list, Socotra is by far the safest way to do so. For a full run donw on safety in Socotra in 2026, read our recent blog here.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. Everyone travelling to Socotra needs a visa to visit the island. The good news is all you have to do is send us a copy of your passport when you book with us and we will handle it all. No need to visit any embassies or fill in any kind of e-visa application.
How to get to Socotra?
The flight schedule has changed a bit in recent times, but for now every Tuesday there is a Yemenia Airways flight from Jeddah to Socotra. To make sure you can secure your tickets on this flight it is always best to book far in advance. The flight schedule at the moment is weekly. Currently, there is no new information if the schedule will increase in frequency. Return tickets for this flight are usually between $850-950 per person.
What are the highlights of Socotra?
There are numerous highlights such as the dragon blood trees, crystal clear waters, coral reefs, towering sand dunes and amazing people. For an in-depth look at the highlights read our blog here on the 7 Highlights of Socotra .
Do you have to camp while visiting?
While many tours that visit the island do camp for the entire week, there are in fact hotels on Socotra for those who don’t want to rough it as much and who appreciate a nice shower after getting salty in the aquamarine lagoons. Saiga group Socotra tours stay at a mix of camping and hotels so we can visit the best of the remote areas but also have some respite from being sandy and gross. If you’re looking to visit the island but don’t want to be totally uncomfortable the whole time, then check out our Saiga Tours Socotra November tour here .
What is the food like on the island?
Even though camping is involved, being surrounded by abundant oceans means that seafood is all around and you will definitely be able to indulge in some amazing fresh fish while visiting. Other than seafood, you will normally be served rice and a salad and sometimes also chicken. Bread will also be a staple at almost every meal. For vegetarians and vegans we can also provide options while on tour.
When is the best time to visit?
Socotra is best from October to May when the winds are low. Outside of this season it is not recommended to visit Socotra as there are strong monsoon winds that blast the island and make it unpleasant for travel.
Is there internet on the island?
Yes, there is internet on Socotra with some people using Starlink to access connection. In remote areas however, you may not have connection and instead will be forced to enjoy mother nature without the intermittent scrolling on Instagram reels.
Is there a dress code?
For everyone on Socotra when in the towns you must dress conservatively, which means long pants for men and a headscarf for women. Outside of the towns and when visiting the amazing remote beaches, you can wear whatever you like including bikinis!
Is alcohol allowed?
On mainland Yemen alcohol is banned and it is also not available on Socotra. Previously foreigners were able to bring a small allowance from the UAE on the flight, however now that the flights depart from Saudi Arabia it is not advised to bring alcohol as this is also restricted in Saudi.
What is the easiest way to join a tour?
The easiest way to join a tour is to contact [email protected] to secure your place. Spaces are limited and flight tickets sell fast so best to get in as soon as you can!
