Yes, Yemen is still experiencing internal conflicts but the truth of the reality is that Socotra has been completely isolated from any distress related to those conflicts.

Socotra has enjoyed some form of autonomy from mainland Yemen (informally or otherwise) for many years. The island has its own culture, dialect, small population, and its own Governate responsible for its own people. When you’re on the island, it’s hard to imagine that there is any kind of conflict happening across the waters to the west because of how peaceful and serene it is on the island.

However there is a coalition of Saudi and UAE forces securing the Archipelago through what is known as the Southern Transitional Council. Still, the presence of these military outfits have mostly been invisible to the public as daily life continues to be undisturbed.

However that is not to say that the war hadn’t affected Socotra. Like the rest of the nation, high price inflation is an issue and commercial transportation of both goods and services have been curtailed. Small shipping boats continue to ferry back and forth between island and mainland but most larger vessels have all but ceased operations since 2015.

So is Socotra a safe place to visit?

Yes, a resounding yes is the answer. However, as a tourist visiting a new land you need to be mindful of your own safety with regards to whatever activity you may be engaging on. Keep your valuables on your person at all times, when hiking — mind your surroundings and stay hydrated, when going to a beach — watch out for jellyfishes or sharp rocks, but most of all listen to your guide. That person is there to make sure you’re safe while enjoying yourselves, but other than that please enjoy your visit to our island.