Detwah Lagoon, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

How to Get to Socotra in 2026

Updated January 2026, How to get to Socotra was originally written in May 2019

Hands down, the number one question I get from readers and curious travelers on social media is: “How do I get to Socotra?

After visiting for the first time back in 2014 (just before the war officially kicked off on the Yemeni mainland), I’ve returned several times, now running group expeditions.

Let me tell you, getting to Socotra before 2015 used to be a breeze. Between 2015 and 2018? Not so much.

Thankfully, access has improved, but it’s still a bit of a logistical gymnastics. In this post, I’ll walk you through all the steps, options, and little quirks of traveling to Socotra in 2026

Please note, as of January 7, 2026, the situation in Socotra remains safe but access may be unstable. Continue on further in the post to find more details on how to get to Socotra currently.

Start planning your trip here: The Socotra travel guide
Learn more about Socotra and plan a trip with the Bradt Socotra Guidebook

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Why Visit Socotra?

Dragon Blood Tree & The Milky Way, Dixsam Plateau, Socotra Island, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole

Often called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra is a biodiversity haven with otherworldly landscape. From dragon blood trees, surreal sand dunes, to coastlines that make your jaw drop. It’s remote and utterly magical.

Don’t believe the above paragraph? Check out my Socotra travel guide to get an idea of the wild landscapes that await.

Current Flight Options to Socotra

Please note that as of January 7, 2026, some major changes have begun and we are unsure how permenant the following information will be. Please note that currently the Air Arabia flight from Abu Dhabi and the Yemenia flight from Cairo via Aden are not operating.

Yemenia Flight from Jeddah to Socotra

Following the flight disruptions in December 2025 and January 2026, Yemenia announced it would pick up the route from Jeddah directly to Socotra starting January 7. Firstly, to facilitate removing stranded tourists from Socotra and later to in the interest of keeping tourism alive on the island. The notice I had received stated it would be a weekly flight but have heard that the flight may take place several times per week.

Please check back for updates, as we receive more information. If you want to try to get to Socotra, please reach out to [email protected].

Air Arabia Flight 476/477: Abu Dhabi to Socotra

Socotra Airport, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole — Arriving to Socotra Airport

Flight Cost: ~$950 USD round-trip (as of January 2026)
Route: Direct from Abu Dhabi to Socotra

Schedule:
- Tuesdays (weekly October–May, biweekly June-September)
  Departs Abu Dhabi at 08:00 and arrives in Socotra at 09:30. On return, it departs Socotra at 11:00 and arrives in Abu Dhabi 14:15.
- Fridays (November–April)
  Departs Abu Dhabi at 08:00 and arrives in Socotra at 09:30. On return, it departs Socotra at 11:00 and arrives in Abu Dhabi 14:15.
- Sundays (March-April)
  Departs Abu Dhabi at 08:00 and arrives in Socotra at 09:30. On return, it departs Socotra at 11:00 and arrives in Abu Dhabi 14:15.

Booking:

~~Not bookable online. Your tour operator will facilitate the process.~~

Check-In Requirements:

Printed e-ticket
Passport
Printed Yemeni visa approval

Yemenia Airlines: Cairo to Socotra

Flight Cost: ~$1,000 USD round-trip (as of May 2025)

Route: Cairo → Aden (layover) → Socotra

Schedule:
- Saturday-Sunday (Cairo-Socotra)
  Depart Cairo Saturday at 15:30, arriving in Aden at 20:00. Overnight in Aden and depart Aden at 09:00 Sunday morning, arriving in Socotra at 11:45.
- Wednesday-Thursday (Cairo-Socotra)
  Depart Cairo on Wednesday at 21:30, arriving in Aden at 02:00 Thursday morning. Depart Aden at 09:00 on Thursday morning, arriving in Socotra at 10:30.
- Sunday (Socotra-Cairo)
  Depart Socotra at 12:30, arriving in Aden at 15:15. Depart Aden at 18:00 and arrive in Cairo at 20:30.
- Thursday-Friday (Socotra-Cairo)
  Depart Socotra at 11:15 on Thursday, arriving in Aden at 14:45. Overnight in Aden. Depart Aden at 03:30 on Friday and arrive in Cairo at 06:00.

Booking:

~~Not bookable online. Arrange via your tour operator, who can coordinate with Yemenia Airlines.~~

Check-In Requirements (Cairo):

E-ticket number
Passport
Printed Yemeni visa approval
Security clearance papers are sometimes necessary (provided by your tour operator)

A Note on Egypt and Drones

Many travelers want to bring a drone to Socotra to capture their trip. Please be aware that if you plan to enter using the flights from Cairo that drones are 100% illegal in Egypt. They can and will confiscate drones if found on arrival. If you are adamant on having a drone with you, it is recommended to utilize the flight from Abu Dhabi.

Both airlines require a Yemeni visa approval in hand at check-in, which is only issued 30 days before arrival.
Flights, especially the direct option from Abu Dhabi, fill up quickly.
Payment is by bank transfer only.
Lastly, Socotra has begun a drone permitting process. Please notify your operator in advance to secure the Socotra drone permit. This permit will cost $100 USD.

The Yemeni Visa Process

Socotra Visa, Socotra Entry Stamp, Yemen Visa, Adventures of Nicole — Yemeni Visa Approval Slip

How To Get A Yemeni Visa

The only way of securing a Yemeni visa is by contacting and booking a tour with a local operator. Here’s a few bits of info you need to know:

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Yemen, including Socotra
Yemeni visas must be arranged via a local operator (no embassy or consulate processing)
Yemeni visa cost: ~$150 USD
Valid for 30 days from entry (issued within 30 days of arrival)
Print and bring the visa authorization for with you, this will be taken on arrival in exchange for a stamp in your passport.
No entry if you have Israeli stamps (or evidence of travel to Israel)

Please do not email me demanding to know how to get a visa without booking with a Socotri operator because you do not want to be guided/pay for it/etc. I do not make the rules and unfortunately, Socotra is not a cheap destination at present. If you want to visit so badly I suggest you start saving toward it or visit elsewhere as there are hundreds, if not thousands more easily accessed, less remote, and cheaper to visit islands on Earth. I cannot make Yemenia or Air Arabia lower the price of the flights and I cannot get operators to drop their prices.

Read: How to get a Yemeni visa

Bonus: Taking the Cement Ship from Oman

Mirbat, Dhofar, Oman, Adventures of Nicole

For the ultra-adventurous: a cargo ship occasionally sails from Salalah, Oman, to Socotra. It’s cheaper than flying (~$100 USD) but wildly unreliable, with delays of up to two weeks. Worth noting is that at times, it is not even possible to get on the ship as a foreigner.

Plus, no food, water, or comfort (think rats and cockroaches galore). Piracy risks are also a concern. Proceed with caution!

Potential Issues with a Yemeni Visa in Your Passport

Seiyun Airport, Yemen, Adventures of Nicole — Walking into Seiyun Airport transit hall

Travelers should be aware that having a Yemeni visa stamp can lead to complications, especially with US immigration.

Speaking from personal experience: after my first trip to Yemen in 2014, I was detained for questioning upon re-entry to the USA. A friend of mine, a long-time US green card holder, found her green card flagged following her 2019 Yemen visit. She’s still able to enter the US but now undergoes extensive questioning each time.

Additionally, under the US travel regulations, anyone who has traveled to Yemen (after March 1, 2011) is no longer eligible for the ESTA visa waiver program. This also applies to travelers who have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, or Syria.

So, if you’re from a country that usually enjoys ESTA access, be prepared to apply for a full visa in the future if Yemen is in your passport history.

That is the Process of How to get to Socotra in 2026

Without a doubt, Socotra is one of my most favorite places in the world and I hope the best for it and its people’s future. If you have any questions on how to get to Socotra please ask in the comments below.