Is Socotra safe? My experience and what you need to know

Socotra is one of the most unique and otherworldly places I’ve ever visited and one of the safest to travel in Yemen. With dragon blood trees, turquoise beaches, and almost no crime, it feels far removed from the country’s ongoing conflict. But since Socotra is part of Yemen, travelers often ask: “Is Socotra safe?” Here’s my honest, firsthand answer after visiting in 2025.

Where is Socotra and is it Safe?

Socotra is part of Yemen… and Yemen doesn’t exactly get the best press, does it? That’s why the first thing most people ask is, “Is Socotra safe?”

Yemen’s “civil war” began in 2014. I put civil war in quotes because while mainstream media labeled it a civil war, the mainland Yemen conflict has involved plenty of outside players — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the U.S., the U.K., and others. Ask many Yemenis, and they’ll tell you it’s not really a civil war at all. The conflict hasn’t officially ended, but a six-month truce in 2022 has largely held long past its expiration date.

That said, you’re not traveling to mainland Yemen — you’re traveling to Socotra, an isolated island in the Arabian Sea. Its geographic isolation is so strong that the Socotris even have their own language. And because the mainland Yemen conflict never reached Socotra, it remains one of the safest places you can visit in Yemen.

Arguments for Safety — Why Socotra is Safe to Visit

As someone who recently traveled to Socotra, I can say without hesitation: “Yes, it’s safe to travel to Socotra!” In fact, I felt safer here than in many places people visit without a second thought.

Socotra sits far from mainland Yemen’s conflict zones (and tourists aren’t even allowed in the areas deemed unsafe). Crime is almost nonexistent. The island’s close-knit community makes it hard for anything to go unnoticed. In fact, your biggest risk here is twisting an ankle on a hike or getting a sunburn on a deserted beach, not falling victim to petty crime (yes, PACK THE HIKING SHOES & SUNSCREEN!).

The island feels safe and stable, and locals are quick to help if you need it. Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveler, a family, or even for your very first trip abroad, Socotra is one of the safest places you can be in Yemen.

Arguments Against Safety — Why Some Say Socotra Isn’t Safe

Of course, no destination is without risks and Socotra is no exception. While it feels far from mainland Yemen’s conflict zones, official travel advisories from governments like the U.S., U.K., and Australia still say “do not travel” to Yemen, including Socotra. These warnings are tied to Yemen’s political instability, the risk of kidnapping and terrorism in certain regions, and the reality that if something did go wrong, there’s no embassy or consulate on the island to help.

That said, I visited both mainland Yemen and Socotra and I felt safe in both. If I had to choose, I’d say Socotra is even safer than the mainland. In many ways, it doesn’t feel like Yemen at all.

Why? Because it’s currently under United Arab Emirates control. You’ll see UAE flags around the island, and there’s visible construction aimed at expanding tourist infrastructure. The UAE also supplies Socotra’s fuel, and most tourists arrive via a direct flight from the UAE — one of only two main routes serving the island. Locals will tell you they’re essentially occupied by the UAE, which makes Socotra’s political situation very different from the mainland. Even the SIM cards are different — one that works in Socotra won’t work in mainland Yemen.

Finally, Socotra’s geographic isolation is a double-edged sword. It’s part of what makes the island so special, with flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. But that isolation also means limited infrastructure, few medical facilities, and only a handful of weekly flights. If you’re planning to travel to Socotra, you should be in good health and comfortable with the idea that evacuation in an emergency could be slow.

Even with these challenges, I’d still say Socotra is worth visiting if you’re the kind of traveler who’s prepared and realistic. Its isolation and political uniqueness are exactly what make it so fascinating. You just have to travel smart.

My Experience Visiting Socotra

Socotra remains one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever visited, and I can confidently say Socotra is safe. I traveled to Socotra as a solo female traveler on a private tour, which meant it was just me, my guide, and my driver for the entire week.

The tour company handled everything: accommodations, airport pick-up and drop-off, all meals, and transport. My main guide was with me everywhere I went. We shared tea, talked about their use of khat (illegal in most of the world but actually one of the most popular things Yemeni men chew on a daily basis 🤣), and swapped stories about families and relationships.

Even as a female traveler spending the week alone with two Socotri men (my guide and driver), I never once felt uncomfortable. Locals across the island were warm, welcoming, and often smiling at tourists.

Tourism is now Socotra’s main source of income, and with the mainland Yemen conflict cutting government support, that revenue is critical for survival. In fact, the cost of living on Socotra is higher than on the mainland, so every tourist dollar matters.

In all, not only is it safe to travel to Socotra, but you’re also likely to have a smooth, unforgettable trip that feels worlds away from Yemen’s conflict.

Should You Travel to Socotra?

So, is Socotra safe? Based on my experience, absolutely, Socotra is safe to travel to. I hope sharing my story has shown just how safe it is to travel to Socotra. Provided you’re in good health and you travel smart, Socotra is one of the safest places for tourists to visit.

It’s just you and nature here — windswept roads, wild beaches, the otherworldly dragon blood trees, and the kind of company that makes you feel welcome from the start. I highly recommend visiting now, before it becomes a tourist hotspot and the very qualities that make it so special begin to fade.

FAQ Section

Is Socotra safe for women?

Yes! In fact, many travelers to Socotra are women. Social media might make it seem like the island is full of large mixed groups, but I saw plenty of women traveling — some even solo. As a woman traveling alone to Socotra, I felt 100% safe the entire time.

Can Americans travel to Socotra?

Yes. I traveled to Socotra on a U.S. passport without any issues entering or exiting, and I had no problems returning to the U.S. afterward.

How do you get to Socotra?

You must arrange your travel to Socotra through a tour company. They’ll handle everything for you — visa, flights, accommodations, food, transport, and airport pick-up/drop-off.

You just need to pack and get yourself to Abu Dhabi or Cairo, as those are where the flights to Socotra depart. Most operators use Air Arabia from Abu Dhabi, while some can book Air Yemenia from Cairo. These flights aren’t available for independent booking online (Yemen isn’t the easiest place to reach), so you need a specialist tour operator to arrange them.

Because flights are limited, book early — at least six months in advance if you’re set on specific dates.

Is Socotra expensive?

Visiting Socotra isn’t cheap. Flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra are about $930 round-trip — and even more from Cairo — so you’re already close to $1,000 before setting foot on the island.

Once you’re there, your tour price usually covers everything: accommodation, meals, transport, guides, and permits. You’ll only need extra cash for souvenirs (and honestly, there’s not much to buy — $50–$100 is plenty).

When comparing tour prices, check whether they include flights from Abu Dhabi or Cairo and visa costs. Most do, but some exclude them to make the base price look cheaper.

Approximate all-inclusive prices I’ve seen (these include the flights from Abu Dhabi and your visa):

One-week group camping tour: $2,800

Five-day group camping tour: $2,200

Prices vary by company, group size, and amenities. Some operators offer bigger tents, toilet tents, Starlink Wi-Fi, and upgraded meal plans, which can affect cost.

When is the best time to visit Socotra?

Socotra’s tourism season runs from October to May. Outside those months, it’s monsoon season — and you won’t want to be here then. The absolute best time to visit is January and February, when you’ve got the highest chances of calm weather and calm seas. Before that, it can be windy, cloudy, and rainy; after March, it gets very hot. And since shade isn’t really a thing here, that heat makes hiking even harder.

Is Socotra safe in 2025?

Yes. As of 2025, Socotra remains one of the safest places in Yemen for tourists, thanks to its geographic isolation and low crime rate.