security and risk planning
We have a great deal of experience of managing risk and providing on the ground security in the region. We are constantly monitoring security risks both on the island and issues affecting travel and from it.
Whilst the Yemen is tragically plagued by war and is currently a UK FCO [and US State Department.] 'no travel’ destination, Socotra, as an island 200 miles off-shore, is devoid of any of the related violence associated with the war on the mainland. The KSA and UAE ‘coalition' are present on Socotra. Their presence on the ground is minimal and generally does not affect the daily life of the islanders. There have been no incidents of terrorism or acts of violence towards foreigners on Socotra in recent years and the Socotra Island archipelago can be considered a benign security environment.
Socotra is ‘frontier-land’ and very much an adventure travel destination. There is an element of risk involved in travelling to such a remote destination without the recourse to the emergency and support services and facilities we are accustomed to. With detailed and robust contingency planning, we seek to mitigate identified risks; as one does for any expedition to an isolated and undeveloped location.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE ISLAND
For 2023/24 the likelihood is that return flights will operate between Abu Dhabi and Socotra, twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays. We are also exclusively in a position to organise private air charter to and from Socotra. For clients who request an alternative mode of transport, we have recourse to charter a private dhow to bring clients from Salalah in Southern Oman to Socotra and back to Salalah again.
visas
We can organise tourist visas for Socotra.