Independent travel is not allowed in Socotra, and your trip must be booked through a tour agency. The good news about this is that your tour agency (like SAIGA Tours) can help you with your visa, which is mandatory for travel to Socotra. In order to submit your application, you will need to send a scan of your passport as well as a passport headshot. The visa costs from $150 to $175, and is typically included in your tour price.
How long does the visa process take?
Once your information is submitted to the visa office, it usually takes 3-7 days for approval. You will get a digital copy of the visa, and receive your official visa upon arrival at the airport in Socotra.
Is the Socotra visa valid for mainland Yemen as well?
Although Socotra is a part of Yemen, the Socotra visa is not valid for travel to mainland Yemen. The two places have separate visas and immigration systems, as they have different security clearance requirements, so you cannot use one for travel to both. The Socotra visa is also only valid for those visiting from overseas, so you must be on an international flight arriving to the island (ex. flights from Abu Dhabi).
Which nationalities cannot get a visa for Socotra?
Socotra has the same visa restrictions as mainland Yemen. Currently, the only nationality that cannot visit Socotra is Isreal. In addition, anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including entry/exit land border stamps), or Israel listed as birthplace in a passport of a different nationality, will not be permitted entry into Yemen, including Socotra.
