Dragon Blood Tree, Homhil Protected Area, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

Can You Still Go to Socotra in 2026?

Updated March 2026, Can You Still Go to Socotra was originally written in July 2017

Yes, tourists can still visit Socotra, but getting there is complicated and the situation can change quickly. Organized tours to Socotra are still operating in 2026, but access is highly dependent on current flight schedules, local permissions, visas, and the political and security situation in Yemen. Currently, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is the main gateway for Socotra flights in 2026, while the former Abu Dhabi route has been suspended.

So, can you still go to Socotra? Yes. Is it straightforward? Absolutely not.

I’ve personally visited Socotra numerous times between 2014 and 2026, and I’ve been following access to the island for years as someone who organizes group trips to Socotra and works closely with locals on the island. This page explains what has changed, how travelers are currently getting there, and what you need to know before considering a trip.

Want to learn more about the island and plan a trip? Grab a copy of the Socotra Guidebook by Bradt.

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Why Is Socotra So Difficult to Visit?

Yemen’s ongoing conflict is the main reason travel to Socotra has historically been so complicated. Although Socotra is geographically separated from mainland Yemen, it is still part of Yemen and its transportation, visas and political situation are tied to the country.

Socotra’s relative isolation has also meant that access can change quickly. Flight routes have opened, disappeared and changed airports over the years, while tourist arrivals have depended heavily on local authorities and tour operators.

The situation is particularly important to understand because Socotra being accessible to tourists does not mean that mainland Yemen is considered a safe or stable destination.

Can You Still Get to Socotra in 2026? Yes

Zahek Dunes, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

Yes. Socotra is still receiving international tourists in 2026.

We are currently offering Socotra departures for late 2026 and into 2027, so the island is not closed to tourism. That said, with the current situation in the greater Gulf Region, this could change with little to no notice.

Getting to Socotra is considerably different from booking a normal international vacation. Flights are generally arranged through a local Socotra operator rather than booked independently through a normal airline booking website, and the available route can change with little notice.

For 2026, there are flights between Jeddah and Socotra on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

That said, these flights are very suseptible to disruption and schedules are subject to change, so don’t book non-refundable international connections around a Socotra flight until your operator has confirmed the current schedule.

Read more about getting to Socotra and the flight schedule in my how to get to Socotra post.

Be Careful When Booking a Socotra Tour

Because Socotra trips require local arrangements for flights, visas and transportation, travelers should be careful about who they book with. Steer clear of any of these new glitzy operators that have seeminly sprung up overnight with little to zero experience here.

No joke, I was on a flight once to the island in which I met two foreign (non Yemeni) guys who proudly exclaimed it was their first time to go there and that they were in fact “setting up” a tour company there. Yikes.

I’ve also seen the fallout of these inexpereinced agencies firsthand: In December 2025 when I was stuck on Socotra with a group due to flight disruptions owing to geopolitcal turmoil on the mainland. We were in communication with both airlines operating there at the time with three new sets of flights on hold for my clients, to get them out on whichever went first, and had been helping them navigate moving their onwards travels home. I met countless tourists who were aimlessly bumbling around the island with no clue how they would depart and no communication on what was happening from their agency. Some even had spent hours at the airport not knowing the flight had never arrived that morning.

How to Get to Socotra

Getting to Socotra isn’t as simple as searching for a flight on Google Flights and booking a ticket online. Most travelers need to arrange their Socotra flight through a local tour operator, who also handles the required Yemeni visa and other local arrangements.

Flying to Socotra Via Jeddah

For 2026, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is the primary gateway for tourist flights to Socotra. The former Abu Dhabi-Socotra service has been suspended.

The exact operating days and schedule can change, so travelers should confirm the current flight schedule with their operator before booking onward flights to Saudi Arabia, but as of right now there are flights to and from Socotra from Jeddah on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What About Flying From Abu Dhabi to Socotra?

The Abu Dhabi-Socotra route that operated in previous years is no longer operating as a regular tourist route in 2026. This is following the ousting of the UAE from Yemen, both commercially and militarily.

What About Flying From Cairo?

While it is still possible to fly to Socotra from Cairo, via a stop over in Aden on mainland Yemen, I wouldn’t bank on this route at this time. With the current fighting between the Houthi and Saudis, as well as what looks like may be futher escalation involving the axis of pure f**king evil (cough.. cough.. I mean the US and Israel), I would not count on this route running smoothly.

Can You Reach Socotra by Boat?

Historically, some travelers have reached Socotra by the cement ship from Salalah, or other vessels from the Arabian Peninsula, but this is not a straightforward or reliable alternative to flying.

Sea travel in and around Yemen and the Gulf of Aden also carries significant security and logistical concerns, espeically at present with missile flying every which way at the momrnt. For that reason, I would not treat a cargo ship or informal boat journey as a practical way to plan a Socotra trip.

Can Sail to Socotra by Yacht?

Erissel Beach, Arher Dunes, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

Ok, bougie.

In theory, private vessels can reach Socotra, and yachts have visited the island in the past. In practice, arranging a private sailing trip involves considerably more logistical and security considerations than joining an organized expedition.

For a normal traveler researching how to visit Socotra, flying remains the practical option.

Planning a Trip to Socotra?

If you’re considering visiting Socotra, start with my full Socotra Travel Guide for information on where to go, what to see, transportation, accommodation, costs and practical travel advice.

For the latest information on reaching the island, see my guide to how to get to Socotra and my guide to getting a visa for Socotra.

If you’re interested in joining a future Socotra expedition, you can also sign up for Socotra travel updates. Of course, if you have questions or want to set up a private trip, you can email me.

What Has Changed in Socotra Since My First Visit?

Adenium Obesium, Desert Rose, Homhil Protected Area, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

A lot has changed since I first visited Socotra in 2014.

When I returned in 2019 and 2020, international tourism had become possible again after years of extremely limited access. Since then, Socotra has continued to attract adventurous travelers, but access has remained dependent on the political situation, flight availability and local arrangements.

The island remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional biodiversity. UNESCO’s 2026 conservation decision notes that Socotra continues to retain the exceptional biodiversity for which it was inscribed, while also raising concerns about development pressure, invasive species, pollution, climate change and unsustainable resource use.

You can unfortunately see the detriments of the UAE’s previous pillaging, and just general increased tourism numbers on the island, which is something many of us have been helping to improve and correct over time. While we can control how we treat the island of Socotra and its people, we cannot control the actions of those who are causing damage and are culturally insensitive to the Socotri people.