There are no mandatory vaccines, but a consultation with your GP is recommended for the latest advice before your journey. Use a repellent in the evening. Drink only bottled water. Carry a personal first aid kit and all the medication you might need, as the island has limited pharmacies.

Yes, a visa is mandatory and is arranged by the local tour operator. The operator submits an application to the Yemeni Ministry of Interior. Price: 150 USD (cash on arrival). Send a passport scan 2-3 weeks in advance. The visa is on a separate sheet, without a stamp in the passport (unless requested).

Socotra is a sacred place and the local people deserve respect. Always ask permission before taking photos of people. Women should never be photographed. Female travellers should wear modest clothing in settlements. Alcohol is not available and is not appropriate in public. Move through the landscape with respect; you are a guest in a sacred place.

The official currency is the Yemeni rial (YER), but in practice the US dollar is the main currency for travellers. There are no ATMs on the island. Bring new, unmarked and undamaged USD notes (100 USD preferred). Recommended minimum: $300-400 per person for tips, souvenirs and snacks.

The best season is October-April (peak: mid-November to March). Temperature on the coast is 23-34°C year-round, the coolest in February (~28°C). Rainfall: minimal (~194 mm/year on the coast). Avoid the summer monsoon (May-September), especially June-August, when strong winds make travel impossible.

Socotra is a unique ecosystem that needs care. Don't collect plants, shells or stones. Carry a reusable water bottle, which you can refill from the shared drinking-water container. Cut down on personal plastic waste, reuse what you can and leave nothing behind.

Limited Starlink access is available on the island, usually for around 2 hours in the evening. The signal isn’t constant and depends on conditions. Outside the camp, there’s almost no signal at all. Prepare to be offline for most of the journey. That’s part of the island’s gift.

Socotra’s meals are made with care: rice, fresh fish, vegetables, flatbreads, and sometimes goat meat or lobster. Everything is simple, fresh and full of flavour. The seafood depends on the day’s catch. Some evenings, you’ll eat family-style around the fire. If you have dietary restrictions or religious requirements, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best with what the island has to offer.

Tipping isn’t compulsory, but it’s the custom. A shared tip of $100-400 per person for the week is standard, depending on your budget. Socotra runs on a simple economy, and your generosity supports local families directly.

Yes, with a permit costing 100 USD (collected by the travel agency upon arrival). Provide the drone's make and model in advance. Declare it at customs. Important: if flying through Abu Dhabi, the drone may be temporarily confiscated in transit (30-45 min procedure). If flying through Cairo, do not bring a drone, as drones are illegal in Egypt.