Q: How could I get my visa to Socotra?

All tourists need a Yemeni visa to visit Socotra island. WE TAKE CARE OF THE WHOLE PROCEDURE FOR YOU. The process usually takes few days and the visa will be issued here by the island authorities. Free yourself from the headache of complicated visa procedures. The experienced staff at “Socotra Interface ECO-TOURS” have got you covered. The only thing we need from you is a photo of the main page of your passport. Once we obtained your visa we will send you a copy by email, you just need to print it and show it at the Dubai check-in counter in order to board the flight. We will be waiting for you with the original copy of your visa at the arrival hall at the Socotra airport.

Q: Are there any travel restrictions?

TRAVELLING TO U.A.E. United Arab Emirates are open to tourists. Please visit the government's webpage for the latest updates according to your country of your origin.

Question 1

Is Socotra open for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is open for tourists!!!
you can fly with Air Arabia on a new non-stop route from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. It’s a weekly flight, every Monday at 10:00 am departing Abu Dhabi and arriving in Socotra at 11:30 am.

The returning flight from Socotra departs at 1:00 pm and arrived in Abu Dhabi at 4:00 pm.

We will arrange your Travel to Socotra Islands since these flights are not offered online yet!

Question 2

Best time to visit Socotra?

Accepted Answer

October to May is the best season to visit, although best months are October, November and February, these months are not too hot and not too rainy, which are perfect for hiking and doing outdoor stuff, which are the main attractions to indulge in Socotra. This time is also great for wildlife attractions.

June to September is monsoon season and too windy, which makes it undesirable both for hiking and outdoor sightseeing. But great for windsurfing, weather is ideal for this kind of activity.

Summer is quite hot, not crazy hot. In fact, it is perfect beach weather, the hikes, will get a bit hot though!

Question 3

What is Socotra Islands famous for?

Accepted Answer

ACTIVITIES
·   Trekking, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and meeting the Bedouins of the mountains.
·   If you want to dive, you will think that you are in an aquarium full of marine life.
·   Spotting dolphins? Socotra is a privileged place.
·   Have fun in the natural sea lagoons doing kayak or SUP.
·   Fishing? Our camera will be ready to immortalize a catch worthy of record.
·   Wind? Yes, and a lot, a paradise always dreamed of by the best kite surfers.
·   Passionate about heights? dare to take a trip by gyrocopter or by helicopter.

Question 4

Is it safe to visit Socotra?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We recently took our moms here so that should tell you how we feel about the islands safety!
The island of Socotra, due to its remoteness and location, is completely safe for tourists. The island has over 4,000 people visit here every season! It is separated, thankfully, from the political craziness and ambiguity current underway on mainland Yemen*
*Mainland Yemen is a different story. While not as dangerous as the media would portray it to be, Socotra is physically and politically removed from what is going on there

Question 5

How could I get my visa to Socotra?

Accepted Answer

All tourists need a Yemeni visa to visit Socotra island. WE TAKE CARE OF THE WHOLE PROCEDURE FOR YOU.
The process usually takes few days and the visa will be issued here by the island authorities.
Free yourself from the headache of complicated visa procedures. The experienced staff at “Socotra Interface ECO-TOURS” have got you covered.
The only thing we need from you is a photo of the main page of your passport. Once we obtained your visa we will send you a copy by email, you just need to print it and show it at the Dubai check-in counter in order to board the flight. We will be waiting for you with the original copy of your visa at the arrival hall at the Socotra airport.

Question 6

Is there access to internet in Socotra?

Accepted Answer

We all love the Internet! Social media, emails, text messages from loved ones, everything! It keeps us busy and entertained. However, here in Socotra, we enjoy being disconnected.
If you need to use the Internet, you should obtain a Etislat SIM card in UAE (super easy you can get them in the airport) and it works in some places here (the “capital” and a few spots here and there)
But keep in mind, the highest speed you will reach is 3G. There is no 5G, 4G, or LTE here. It’s enough for message sending, email, checking in, and very light web browser. No streaming or downloading is possible.
You may also use our guides hotspot if need be, but we suggest that you use this time to disconnect. Enjoy the surroundings and look up from your phones!
That being said, we understand the Necessity for work and keeping in touch with back home for different matters.
So if you absolutely need internet, we got you covered (pun intended)

Question 7

How could I charge my phone and other devices in Socotra?

Accepted Answer

Thank you Thomas Edison and Nicholas Tesla for helping invent electricity, it enables us to live our lives! More specifically, here in Socotra, charge our devices :) We suggest you bring a power bank with you BUT we will have car chargers in the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers for you to use
(USB-C, iPhone, mini USB) We know pictures, videos and drone shots are important so we make it easy to recharge your devices

Question 8

Are there any travel restrictions?

Accepted Answer

TRAVELLING TO U.A.E.
United Arab Emirates are open to tourists.
Please visit the government's webpage for the latest updates according to your country of your origin.

Question 9

In case if cancelling my booking, would I be paid back my money?

Accepted Answer

In case you cannot travel and you want to cancel your booking we can refund your tour deposit based on our flexibility policy. Please note that the company operating the charter flight "Emirates Aviation Services" cancellation policy is as stated on their tickets: "Ticket refund must be requested 8 days before departure" (400 AED = 210 USD penalty fees apply). Within 8 days before departure modification/cancellation is not allowed.”
Note that visa fee (150 USD) is non-refunded in case of cancellation.

Question 10

Where will be my accommodation in Socotra?

Accepted Answer

Each accommodation differs depending on what package you choose WILD (Group or Privat)
You will be in double person tents. These are not normal camping tents; however, we have gone to great lengths* to provide you with NICE tents (they do exist lol)

Think buying them in Europe. Shipping to Dubai, THEN spent a month on a cargo boat to Oman, THEN 3 days on another cargo boat to Socotra. ALSO having to get them through customs in each country it was a LONG process

COMFY
You will be provided with the same tents as the wild program but overnight will be at one of the hotels on the island on daily basis.
Is it 5 stars? No. Does it have the amenities that will make you feel “comfy”? Absolutely.
Air conditioning, western toilet, fan, comfy bed, clean sheets…… everything you need for a reset and/or a recharge.

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