Socotra Flights and Visa Guide

Planning a trip to Socotra Island is exciting, but it comes with an important question: “How do I actually get there?”
Because of its remote location, flights to Socotra are limited, and all travelers require a Socotra visa before arrival.

This guide covers everything you need to know about flights and visa requirements for Socotra, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

1. Flights to Socotra

There is currently no direct international booking system for Socotra flights — they can’t be found on Skyscanner, Expedia, or other common travel sites. Instead, flights are arranged through licensed tour operators like us.

Main Route: Abu Dhabi – Socotra

• ✈️ Air Arabia Charter: Operates weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Hadibo (Socotra).
• 📅 Schedule: Usually Tuesdays and sometimes Fridays during peak season (October–May).
• 🛂 Booking: Must be booked through your Socotra tour company — flights are not available for self-booking.

Alternative Routes

• 🛫 Cairo – Aden – Socotra (limited, not common for tourists).
• 🛫 Seiyun – Socotra (domestic flight from mainland Yemen, requires additional permits).

👉 For simplicity and reliability, most international travelers use the Abu Dhabi – Socotra charter flight.

2. Socotra Visa Requirements

All visitors need a Yemeni visa to enter Socotra. This is not available on arrival — it must be arranged in advance.

• 📄 Visa Type: Socotra visa (entry permit specifically for Socotra).
• 🛂 Requirements: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• ⏱️ Processing Time: Typically 1–7 Days before your trip.
• 🧾 Documents Needed: Passport copy + confirmed tour booking.
• 📧 Delivery: We send your visa as a PDF via email — you simply print it and bring it with you.

3. Booking Process: Flights + Visa Together

At Socotra Phoenix Tours, we make the process simple:

1. 📧 Send us your passport copy with your confirmed travel dates.
2. 💳 Secure your spot: Pay for the charter flight (non-refundable, due to high demand).
3. 🛂 Visa Issued: We apply for your visa and send you the approved document before your trip.
4. ✈️ Travel to Socotra: Fly from Abu Dhabi with your ticket + printed visa.

4. Best Time to Book Flights to Socotra

Flights fill up quickly because there are only a limited number of seats per week.

• ✅ Book at least 1–2 months in advance during peak season (October–March).
• ✅ For group tours, secure spots even earlier.
• 🚫 Last-minute flights are rarely available.

👉 Check our [Socotra Weather Guide] to choose the best travel season.

5. Important Travel Tips

• 🛂 Visa Validity: Usually valid for the duration of your booked tour (not for independent travel).
• 🧳 Luggage: Flight baggage allowance is limited (around 20kg).
• 🕑 Check-in: Arrive early at Abu Dhabi Airport — flights are often overbooked.
• 💳 Payment: Flights must be prepaid (non-refundable), while tours can often be paid on arrival.

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Socotra

Reaching Socotra Island may take extra steps, but that’s what keeps the island so untouched and magical. With limited flights and advance visas, planning ahead is key.

At Socotra Phoenix Tours, we handle the entire process — from securing your charter flight to arranging your visa permit — so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

👉 Start your journey today with our [Socotra Tour Packages].