Since the US-Iran war began, many flights were cancelled across the Middle East as major hubs such as Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait were all impacted. This disrupted travel for many across the globe and meant many people weren’t able to get home or to join group tours. Thankfully due to Socotra’s location it was unaffected by any of this. This means that Socotra was safe to visit at the start of the year and will likely remain so in time for out Saiga Socotra group tour in November.
How did this affect Socotra?
From the start of 2026, flights now no longer leave from Abu Dhabi in the UAE to the small Yemeni island in the Indian Ocean. Now, flights depart from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which is one of the main airports in the region that was unaffected by any of the conflict in the gulf.
This meant that while many stayed away from the region, Socotra in fact was entirely unaffected by both flights and any form of the conflict. So, in short, Socotra was not affected at all. The only major effect that Socotra saw was lower tourist numbers as people avoided the region.
Political Stability on Socotra Vs Mainland Yemen
Mainland Yemen has been stabilising in the Hadramaut region since the transition of power over the area from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. This transition has also meant that Socotra is now largely under the authority of Saudi Arabia as well and is the main reason for flights now leaving from Jeddah instead of Abu Dhabi. The Mainland Yemen in the area of Sana’a is still considered too dangerous for travellers, but this has absolutely no effect on the situation in Socotra. Socotra is by far the safest way to visit Yemen, if you want to tick it off your travel bucket list.
Is it safe for women?
Yes absolutely! The only thing women will need to do is to wear conservative clothing when we are in the population centre of Hadiboh. Otherwise, when we are travelling around the island and swimming in the amazing lagoons there are no restrictions on clothing and you can be as free as you like. In all our Saiga group tours we take safety for both men and women very seriously, and would never take anyone anywhere they were at serious risk.
What are the main risks on Socotra?
There are 3 main things to watch out for on Socotra. Number one is the sun, you will be outside for a lot of the trip and we will have many opportunities to snorkel and swim, so it is essential that you bring sunscreen.
Number two is, that it is important when you visit the reefs that you look but don’t touch. Coral reefs are amazingly beautiful places teaming with life, however some of the creatures here can be poisonous and some rocks may be sharp, so never touch anything while on the reef and only take away memories.
Number three is also sun-related and that is to stay hydrated. For anyone visiting a beach destination going in the water may make you feel cool, but won’t hydrate you. It is extremely important when visiting these areas and spending time in the sun that you drink plenty of water.
Cultural etiquette and local laws to be aware of
Socotri people, just like people on Mainland Yemen are overall quite conservative and following Islamic traditions. This means that when you are in the town of Hadiboh you will have to follow the dress code. For women this means long sleeves and pants or a skirt and a headscarf. For men, this also means long pants. When you are outside of these areas then there is no dress code required.
Public displays of affection are also discouraged for couples visiting the island. Of course, you can be affectionate outside of populated areas as there’s no one there to care.
Is Mainland Yemen too dangerous to visit?
Yes and no. Even though the Hadramaut region has recently had a shift in power and is now under control of the STC. The security situation there is still safe enough for foreigners to visit, however you will absolutely be required to be accompanied by a guide. Tours for this part of Yemen are now possible from both Saudi Arabia and parts of Oman. If you’d like to visit mainland Yemen, check out our Real Yemen Tour here on our website departing in January 2027.
For Sana’a and other areas under Houthi control, it is not advised to try and visit these areas at all.
Are there other risks on the island?
The main other risk is the windy season from late May to end of September. During this time Socotra can experience some extreme weather including cyclones. During this time however tours don’t run as flights are regularly cancelled due to the strong winds. Our group tours will take place between October to May outside of the windy season.
How to join a Saiga Socotra group tour?
You can see our tour dates available on the Saiga Tours website here. To join secure your place on the tour, send us an email to [email protected] . Best to book in advance as places are limited and there are limited airline seats on flights to the island. For more information on flights and visas to Socotra, check out our blog here explaining it all.
