Big News! Now you can fly directly from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Socotra Island!
Socotra attracts everyone with its otherworldly dragon blood trees and white sand dunes. But how to get to Socotra?
Getting to Socotra is an adventure in itself. You can only fly to Socotra. You can travel to Socotra with non-stop charter flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra (two flights per week). However, due to the unstable situation in some parts of mainland Yemen, flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra have been temporarily suspended. Contact us for the latest information.
If you're planning a Socotra island tour, read on to learn more about how to get to Socotra island and the Socotra travel guide.
How to Fly to Socotra
The most popular choice for getting to Socotra Island is the direct flight from Abu Dhabi (UAE). Another way to fly to Socotra Island is via the Yemen Mainland. Currently, flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra have been temporarily cancelled. However, you can still fly from Cairo to Socotra Island, via the Yemen Mainland.
Click and read more details about the latest flights to Socotra.
Quick-reference Table of Main Flights to Socotra
| Route | Main Gateway(s) | Key Airline(s) & Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Charter | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Direct charters operated by tour partners. Most reliable and common route. | First-time visitors, convenience. |
| Via Mainland Yemen | Aden (ADE), Mukalla (RIY), or Sana'a (SAH) | Yemenia Airways. | Experienced regional travelers. |
| Via Cairo, Egypt | Cairo (CAI) | Yemenia Airways or charters. Another established international route. | Travelers coming from or via North Africa/Europe. |
| Other Possible Connections | Various (e.g., via Mukalla) | Complex multi-stop itineraries. | Flexible, adventurous planners. |
Option 1: Flights from Abu Dhabi (UAE) – The Most Popular Route
For international passengers planning to visit Socotra, the charter flights directly from Abu Dhabi to Socotra are the most popular and convenient options for flights to Socotra. The greatest advantage of flying directly from Abu Dhabi to Socotra is that the journey is straightforward and the safety is relatively high.
This route is operated by Air Arabia. Approximately two flights are scheduled weekly, typically on Tuesdays and Fridays. During peak seasons, an additional flight may be added on Sundays. Please confirm the latest schedule before finalizing your plans. Given the limited flight frequency and quick seat sales, we strongly recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance.
The flight departs from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and lands at Socotra Airport (SCT). The flight duration is approximately 2 hours. For a smooth travel experience, it is essential to arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport 3 hours before the scheduled departure time for security checks. The price of a round-trip ticket from Abu Dhabi to Socotra Island is $950.
These flights are typically charter flights organized by Socotra tour operators as part of a package, which means they are not available online. Contact us to book Socotra flights for you.
Option 2: Fly from Jeddah (JED) – The New Flight
There are now direct flights from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to Socotra Island. The flight departs from Jeddah at 11:00 AM local time every Tuesday and returns on Monday.
Jeddah – Socotra Tuesday 11:00 JED–14:30 SCT
Socotra – Jeddah Monday 10:00 SCT–14:00 JED
The number of available air tickets is limited each week. We recommend that you plan your tour to Socotra Island in advance!
Option 3: Fly from Mainland Yemen – The Traditional Route
Another option is to take a domestic flight from Yemen Mainland to Socotra Island, such as Aden (ADE), Sana'a (SAH), or Mukalla (RIY). The routes are mainly operated by Yemenia Airways, and there is only one fixed flight every week.
The primary limitations of this route are visa requirements and security risks. Entry through the mainland of Yemen also requires obtaining a Yemen visa in advance. If you book our Socotra tours, we will handle this issue for you.
Due to the influence of the local security and political situation, the security situation in the Yemen Mainland is complex, which may result in temporary flight cancellations or route changes. Therefore, this route is usually recommended only for experienced travelers who are very familiar with the area. Before traveling to Socotra, be sure to confirm the latest information with the airline or travel agency.
Option 4: Flights from Cairo (Egypt) – The North African Gateway
If you choose to fly from Cairo, Egypt, to Socotra Island, a transfer through Aden is required. This route is mainly operated by Yemen Airways and is one of the more common ways for European and African passengers to travel to Socotra.
The flights usually occur once a week. The flights usually depart from Cairo in the early morning or at night, and upon landing in Aden. You need to go through the entry formalities and transfer to the flight heading to Socotra. If you cannot catch the flight to Socotra Island in time, you can stay in Aden for one night.
Alternative Routes to Socotra: Ferries and Land Crossings
For budget travelers or those seeking extreme adventures, you can also consider traveling to Socotra Island by sea or a combination of sea and land. These routes are relatively cheaper but take longer. Although not as convenient as flights, they offer a unique travel experience.
Ferries from Yemen's Mainland
Taking a ferry from Aden or Mukalla in Yemen to Socotra is one of the cheaper options. The one-way ticket price is only $50-100, much lower than the airfare, making it suitable for travelers with tight budgets. There may be one or several irregular ferries to Socotra Island every week. The flight time is generally 8 to 12 hours.
The facilities on board are rudimentary. Ferries are prone to being affected by weather, waves, and safety conditions. And cancellations or delays are quite common.
Land and Sea Combinations
The main way is through irregular cement boats from Salalah, Oman, to Yemen. The voyage usually takes 2-4 days, depending on the weather and sea conditions. The one-way ticket is about $100. Due to the unstable border situation, this approach carries risks.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Socotra
Best Time to Visit Socotra
The best time to visit Socotra is from October to April each year. During this period, the weather is relatively cool and dry, and the sea conditions are stable. From October to April, it is an ideal time for hiking, exploring the unique landscapes of Socotra, and engaging in water activities. If you want to admire the blooming bottle trees, February to April is the best time to visit Socotra.
May to September is the monsoon season on Socotra Island, with strong winds and rough waves, so it is highly not recommended to visit Socotra.
Socotra Visa Requirements
A visa for Socotra Island is required. However, Socotra Island has its own visa system, which is different from that of Yemen's mainland. You need a special visa visit Socotra. It must be arranged by a local agency. Individuals cannot apply directly. Join our Socotra private tours, and we will arrange a Socotra visa for you. The visa fee is approximately $150 and is usually valid for 30 days.
It is essential to note that if your passport has an Israeli stamp, you may be denied entry. And the Yemeni visa stamp may affect your future travel to countries such as the United States. If you plan to visit Socotra Island, you can apply to have the entry stamp affixed to a separate piece of paper instead of directly on your passport.
Local Transportation on Socotra
Socotra Island has no public transportation or taxi services. Tourists mainly rely on 4x4 vehicles. This is the most convenient and safe way, especially suitable for traveling to remote scenic spots and rugged terrain.
For tourists who enjoy free exploration, you can also choose to rent bicycles or explore Socotra Island by hiking. This way is suitable for those with good physical fitness.
Safety Precautions
Traveling to Socotra Island should be arranged through reputable travel agencies, such as Hi Five Trip, and accompanied by experienced tour guides. Our tour guide is responsible for all safety and itinerary arrangements to ensure a smooth Socotra tour for you.
Avoid solo expeditions, especially in remote areas or on rough routes. Solo trip to Socotra carries safety risks. When hiking, carry sufficient drinking water and first aid supplies.
It is very important to respect local cultural customs. The residents of Socotra Island are almost all Muslims. It's best to dress conservatively and avoid drinking alcohol.
Plan Your Trip to Socotra Island with Hi Five Trip
Do you yearn to venture deep into the Dragon Blood Tree Forest or avoid crowds to enjoy the beach? Socotra Island, known as the "most alien-like place on Earth," is no longer out of reach. We save you the trouble of traveling to this remote, treasured place, allowing you to focus on your adventure.
Choose from our exclusive Socotra guided tours. Or contact us to customize your personalized Socotra tours and explore at your own pace.
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