Infinity Pool, Homhil Protected Area, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

How to get a Visa for Socotra (Yemen)

Updated June 2025, How to get a Socotra Visa (Yemen) was originally written in June 2019

Socotra has been extremely difficult to visit in the last few years due to the ongoing war taking place in the mainland of Yemen. Since late 2018, it has become possible, yet again, to visit Socotra (or, I should say, with more ease than that of the cement ship from Salalah, Oman).

Getting a visa to visit Socotra can be quite tricky at present, however, it is possible nonetheless. In this article, I will run through the requirements in order to secure a visa for Socotra.

Please note that you will be required to book a tour with a local operator to secure a visa (more on this later).

Want To Go To Socotra? Check Out My Socotra Travel Guide

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How to Get a Yemeni Visa

I’m sure by now you’re well aware that Socotra is an island halfway between Yemen and Somalia and is officially a territory of Yemen. In order to visit Socotra, you will need a Yemeni visa.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Yemen and thus Socotra. Getting a Yemeni visa at present is not a straightforward process and comes with some caveats. Note that Yemeni embassies and consulates will not issue visas at present.

Step 1: Contact & Book A Trip With A Socotri Tour Operator

You cannot just go apply for a Yemeni visa because you want one. You must first arrange a trip with a Socotri tour operator who will apply for your visa for you in Yemen with the Ministry of Interior. The operator is essentially inviting you to Yemen and needs to approve this with the government.

The cost of the visa and arrangement of it is $150 USD

Step 2: Send a Scan of Your Passport Info Page

The tour operator will need your passport info to apply for your visa. You will need to email them a scan of this and they will send it along with the visa application for approval.

Grab a copy of the first-ever Bradt Socotra Guidebook to help you start planning

Step 3: Receive a Paper Copy of Your Yemeni Visa Authorization

Socotra Visa Approval, Yemen Visa Approval, Adventures of Nicole

This is a very important piece of paper, and you will need to have copies of it for flight check-in, as well as to enter Socotra. Your visa will be issued no more than 30 days prior to your arrival. Visas are typically valid for 30 days stay in Yemen.

Planning Your Trip? Learn How To Get To Socotra

Step 4: Arrive in Socotra

Socotra Visa, Socotra Entry Stamp, Yemen Visa, Adventures of Nicole

Once you arrive to Socotra you will need to hand over the final paper copy of your visa along with your passport. They will stamp the lower third of the page and give it to you.

You will need to keep this slip with your passport and will need to turn it back in when departing. They will ask you if you’d like your passport stamped as well.

Boycott of Israel

Yemen is one of the countries that boycotts travel to Israel. If you have any evidence of travel to Israel such as Israeli visas, Israeli passport stamps, Egypt, or Jordan stamps issued along any of their land borders with Israel or arrival/departure cards you will most likely be deported from Yemen.

Israeli passport holders are barred from entering the country.

If you have traveled to Israel and there is proof of your visit in your passport you will need to apply for a new passport or if you are from eligible countries apply for a ‘second passport’.

That is How You Get a Visa to Visit Socotra

Dragon Blood Trees, Dixsam Plateau, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

Getting a visa to travel to Socotra isn’t an easy venture, though your tour operator will facilitate the process for you.

Everything you need to know: The Socotra Travel Guide

Have Any Questions About Getting a Visa For Socotra?

Ask in the comments below.

Please do not email me demanding how to get a visa to visit Socotra without booking with a Socotri agency because you do not want to be guided/do not want to pay for services/etc. I do not make the rules, nor do not control prices.