How to get to Socotra (2025-2026 Guide)
Why Socotra? Why this guide?
Some call Socotra Island the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean.” It’s long been an off-the-beaten-path kind of travel destination — the kind only the most intrepid travelers bothered with. But that’s changing. Today, it’s gaining popularity as one of the most unique destinations in Yemen.
How to get to Socotra, though? Not exactly straightforward. You can’t just book a ticket and go. You can’t even visit Socotra independently (well, most can’t — I’ll explain who can later).
So how do you get to Socotra? You’ll need to go through a tour company that can book you on a weekly charter flight from Abu Dhabi or Cairo. But there’s a little more to it than that.
I visited both Socotra and mainland Yemen in 2025, and I learned a few things most travelers miss — especially those who only go to Socotra on a group tour (which is 99% of the blog posts you’ll find on Socotra 😉). In the guide below, I’ll break it all down: flights, visas, routes, timelines, what I wish I knew… so you can plan your trip with less confusion and a lot more ease.
Where is Socotra and why is it so hard to reach?
Socotra Island is a remote island in the Arabian Sea that belongs to Yemen. Geopolitically, it’s part of the Middle East, but physically, it’s closer to Somalia than mainland Yemen.
That geographic isolation is exactly what makes it so special. Socotra is home to alien-like landscapes and plant and animal species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. But it’s also the reason it’s so difficult to reach.
There are no real commercial airlines (sorry, you can’t just book a flight and go), no ferries, and very few international connections. That means getting to Socotra takes some effort, but that’s what keeps it off the beaten path for now.
How to Get to Socotra: Flights, Visas, and Tours
Unless you’re Yemeni, you can’t travel to Socotra independently. Your only real option is to book a trip through a tour agency. The agency will arrange everything for you: flights, visa, accommodations, transportation, food. You just have to pack and show up in Abu Dhabi (most likely) or Cairo (less common).
Socotra tour companies handle the charter flights because these aren’t flights you can book on your own. Seriously, go ahead and try searching “flights to Socotra” from your city. Nothing will show up.
Most travelers fly roundtrip on Air Arabia’s charter flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. These are humanitarian flights that fill quickly and usually operate just once or twice a week during the season.
There’s another option — flying from Cairo on Yemenia Airways, Yemen’s only national airline — but most Socotra tour operators don’t even know how to book it. The process is, to put it bluntly, shrouded in mystery. It’s one of those “you need to know someone who knows someone” situations. Not kidding. But if your tour company does know someone who knows someone, you can potentially fly from Cairo to Socotra, too. 😉
Flying from Abu Dhabi (Most Common Route)
When you book a tour, the default flights to Socotra will be a weekly charter flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra.
These flights are humanitarian flights so not available commercially. Your tour agency handles the booking because you can’t just hop online and grab a ticket yourself.
✈️ Flight Information: Abu Dhabi to Socotra for Oct 2025 – March 2026
- Airline: Air Arabia
- Operating days: Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays (starting only on Oct 19)
- Departure times:
- AUH – SCT: 8-9:30
- SCT – AUH: 11:00-14:15
- Number of Connections: 0 (this a direct flight)
- Price: $930 round trip between Abu Dhabi and Socotra
While the above is accurate at the time of publishing this post, you should verify details with your tour agency.
Flights are fixed-price and seats are limited. Occasionally Air Arabia adds extra flights, but I wouldn’t count on it. Book your tour at least 5–6 months in advance because flights do sell out.
💡 Tips if you’re flying from Abu Dhabi to Socotra
- Check your UAE visa requirements early. If you need one, get a visa that allows multiple entries.
- Plan to be in Abu Dhabi a day or two before your Socotra flight. If your inbound flight is delayed, you don’t want to miss the one to Socotra.
- If you’ve never been to Abu Dhabi, take advantage and explore a bit (ADD LINK to tours).
Looking ahead: the UAE is eyeing Socotra as its next big tourist playground (remember, they occupy Socotra), so more direct flights to Socotra may appear in the future. There are even rumors about Saudi Arabia adding flights, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Other flight routes to Socotra (Cairo, Aden, Al Mukalla)
You can also fly from Cairo to Socotra on Yemenia Airways, Yemen’s national carrier. This is the route I took, but to be honest, it’s a rougher route because it’s not direct.
You cannot book flights on Yemenia Airways directly. You must go through an agency to do this. If you’re set on going to Socotra this way (and there is an advantage to traveling this way… more on that later), check with your tour agency to see if they can pull this off.
✈️ Flight Information: Cairo to Socotra
- Airline: Yemenia Airways
- Operating days (subject to change):
- Cairo to Socotra
- Depart Saturdays (arrive Sunday)
- Depart Wednesdays (arrive Thursday)
- Socotra to Cairo
- Depart Mondays, Thursdays
- Cairo to Socotra
- Travel time: 7+ hours (subject to change, total hours depends on layover length which varies)
- Number of Connections: 2 (Aden and Al Mukalla)
- Price: $1,000 (estimated; it costs slightly more than from Abu Dhabi)
This is just an example of the Socotra flight schedule when I asked, but Yemenia changes things constantly; they publish flights 6 months in advance but as the situations change in Yemen, they will change their flight schedules, too. Additionally. they don’t always update travelers either — oh, what fun they are to deal with!
Flying Yemenia often means an overnight layover in Aden, Yemen (I had one). Unless you want to sleep in the airport (not recommended — it’s tiny), you’ll need a separate visa for Aden. An Aden visa works in Socotra, but a Socotra visa won’t get you into mainland Yemen.
From experience, adding mainland Yemen to your trip complicates things fast. The visa process shifts often, different cities in Yemen operate differently, and rules change on a whim. This is why most people fly to Socotra via Abu Dhabi — it’s just easier.
✈️ Domestic Flight Option to Socotra (Aden, Al Mukalla, Seiyun)
The Cairo–Socotra flight stops in Aden and Al Mukalla, and you can buy separate tickets for those legs if you’re starting in mainland Yemen. Seiyun is another city with domestic links, and it’s possible Yemenia can route you through there as well (expect connections).
Why fly Yemenia at all?
If it’s so complicated, why bother? Two reasons:
1. You’re as crazy as I am and decided to combine mainland Yemen travel with Socotra in the same trip. If so, I send my condolences — it’s doable, but not smooth.
2. You want to avoid the tourist crowds. Most travelers arrive on the Tuesday/Friday/Sunday Air Arabia flights, meaning 100+ people all hitting the same “tourist circuit” at the same time. Yemenia passengers are almost entirely locals, so you’ll maximize the chances of seeing Socotra’s beauty without other tourists around, especially if you arrive on the Thursday flight.
Can you sail to Socotra?
Not anymore. Years ago you could hitch a ride on a cargo ship to Socotra, but today the only way to reach the island is by air. No ferries, no boats, just flights.
Do You Need a Visa for Socotra?
Yes, you need a Socotra visa to visit. The good news? Your tour agency handles the whole process, so it’s actually pretty easy.
All they’ll usually need is a copy of the main page of your passport. They’ll apply on your behalf, and within a few days the Socotra tourist visa is issued. Your agency will send you a copy so you can print it out and show it at the check-in counter in Abu Dhabi before boarding your flight.
I heard that the official cost of the Socotra visa is $75, but tour companies all seem to charge $150 for it wrapping it into the overall tour price. Do what you want with that information (personally, I don’t think there’s much you can do except pay the $150).
Keep in mind: the Socotra visa is only valid for Socotra. You can’t use it to enter mainland Yemen. Yemen is technically one country, but for travelers it’s best to think of it as multiple “mini-countries,” each with its own rules for visas, money, and tourist access. This is one of the big reasons independent travel in Yemen is nearly impossible without a local guide or fixer.
✈️ What are the Socotra visa requirements if I’m flying in from Cairo?
Your visa requirement will depend on the routing (it’s not a direct flight) and if you will be stepping foot in mainland Yemen.
When I flew this route, I had an overnight layover in Aden, which meant I had to exit the airport. That required a mainland Yemen visa issued by the Aden immigration authorities. I also had to be careful with passport stamps: if I got extra entry/exit stamps on the Socotra visa, it could have voided my mainland Yemen visa (which I did not want to do since my plan was to re-enter the mainland after Socotra).
It’s worth repeating: a mainland Yemen visa works in Socotra, but a Socotra visa will not get you into mainland Yemen.
If your flight is routed in a way that keeps you airside (no need to exit in Aden or Al Mukalla), your Socotra visa alone should be enough.
Do You Need a Tour Company to Visit Socotra?
Independent travel to Socotra isn’t possible unless you’re a Yemeni citizen. And even then, it would be extremely difficult to get around without a guide. There’s no car rental service, no public transportation, and barely any road signs on the island.
Tourism infrastructure is almost nonexistent (aside from a few hotels and restaurants in Hadibo, the capital). This is why every visitor books through a Socotra tour company. Your travel agency handles everything from transportation to meals to camping gear to permits and logistics. They literally bring it all: tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, propane tanks, blankets, spare tires, pots, pans, food. If you’re dreaming of an off-grid Socotra adventure, the agencies make it possible.
Every Socotra tour includes at least a driver and guide. Depending on your group size, you may also get a cook. Drivers are experts at navigating the rough off-road tracks (you’d get lost instantly without one because you can’t even rely on internet here to navigate you), while your guide manages everything else: language support, campsites, site fees, and hiring local guides when required for certain hikes.
⛺️ How do you choose a Socotra tour company?
Social media might make it seem like there are just a handful of operators, but there are a lot of them. When I visited, I was told there were around 25 registered tour agencies in Socotra, plus individual guides trying to start their own companies (it’s the best way to make a living on Socotra!).
So how do you know who to book with? Aside from the itineraries themselves, here are a few key differences between agencies to pay attention to:
In short: all Socotra tours cover the essentials, but comfort levels, guide experience, and little details vary a lot. That’s where doing your research can really make a difference.
P.S. I really liked my guide. He was attentive, spoke great English, and went out of his way to be such a great host! Send me an email if you want his contact info.
Best Time to Visit Socotra
Socotra’s tourist season runs from October to May, which is the island’s dry season. Outside those months, the Socotra monsoon season hits bringing with it strong winds, heavy rains, and rough seas. It’s a pretty miserable time to be there.
The absolute best time to visit Socotra is January and February. That’s when you’ll usually get the calmest weather and smoothest seas. Plus, it’s not unbearably hot yet. Earlier in the season (October–December), it can still be windy, cloudy, or rainy. From March onwards, it gets really hot, and since there’s almost no shade on the island, hiking under that sun is brutal.
Is it possible to visit in the summer months? Technically, yes. I’ve heard of people who have. But the whole reason to come here is to be outdoors exploring, and the Socotra climate in summer just doesn’t make that enjoyable.
FAQs About Getting to Socotra
Yes, everyone needs a Socotra visa. Your tour agency handles it. They’ll ask for a photo of your passport, apply on your behalf, and include the fee in your Socotra tour quote (most agencies charge ~$150 for the visa).
Yes. I visited Socotra and mainland Yemen as a US citizen and had no issues entering Yemen or returning to the US. If you’re adding mainland, check current Yemen travel restrictions before you go.
Socotra is very safe. I have a longer post on Socotra safety with details and tips.
For an 8-day group camping tour to Socotra, expect roughly $2,300–$2,700 if you’re part of a small group. That usually includes round-trip Abu Dhabi–Socotra flights, the visa, and everything on island (transport, food, camping). Large groups (15–20 people) can be cheaper (I’ve seen as low as $1,700), but double-check what’s included.
No, independent travel to Socotra isn’t possible unless you’re Yemeni. Even then, it’s tough: no car rentals, no public transport, and outside Hadibo there are few hotels or restaurants. A licensed Socotra tour company is the way to go.
The main Abu Dhabi-Socotra charter flight is on Air Arabia. For October to March (the main 2025-2026 tourist season) they’ve scheduled three flights a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. I’m sure they have flights after March as well since the season runs until May, but they don’t always publish their schedules this far in advance. Always check with the tour agency on the latest charter schedules — they sometimes change and they often sell out.
No. These are humanitarian/charter flights and aren’t sold to the public. Only licensed tour agencies can book Abu Dhabi to Socotra seats.
Yes, via Yemenia Airlines, typically with stops in Aden and Al Mukalla. It’s longer, more complicated, and usually pricier, but helpful if you’re avoiding the charter crowd or combining mainland Yemen with Socotra. Yemenia isn’t bookable online; your tour agency needs the connections to arrange it.
Big difference. A Socotra visa is only valid in Socotra. It won’t get you into mainland Yemen. A mainland Yemen visa does allow entry to Socotra. Stamp carefully if you’re transiting via Aden/Al Mukalla.
From Abu Dhabi, the direct charter is about 2 hours. From Cairo (via Yemenia with stops), budget at least 7 hours not counting potential layovers or routing changes.
Final Tips For Planning Your Trip to Socotra
- Book your Socotra tour early! Charter flights from Abu Dhabi sell out quickly. Currently, there are more tour agencies than there are seats on the flights. Book 5-6 months in advance to secure the dates you want.
- Visas are handled by your tour agency. Majority of travelers fly to Socotra from Abu Dhabi. While your tour agency will handle the Socotra visa for you, make sure you’ve checked your entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates.
- Pack light. Your Socotra guide and driver bring the tents, camping gear, and food. You just need your essentials.
- Expect an off-grid adventure. Internet and electricity are limited (pack those power banks!), and that’s part of what makes visiting Socotra such a rare experience. That said, if internet is a must, make sure your tour provides Starlink satellite wi-fi.
- Most importantly, be flexible! Socotra is a rugged and wild adventure. Flexibility and patience will make your trip more enjoyable!
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you know exactly how to get to Socotra (from visas and flights to choosing the right tour agency) all that’s left is to pack your sense of adventure. Socotra isn’t the easiest place to reach, but it’s worth it once you arrive!
If this guide helped you, check out my other posts on Socotra (like safety tips and things to do) and save this one for when you’re ready to book. And if you still have questions, send me an email. I love connecting with other travelers.
