How to Travel to Yemen in 2024: Border Crossings and Flights
Surfait, Yemen. The Yemeni border gate at the Surfait crossing with Oman. Matt Reichel.
The safest way right now to travel to Yemen is from Cairo, Riyadh, or Jeddah to Aden. And from Aden, you can go to Socotra or other safe airports like Al Mahalla and Al Ghaydah. Also, there is a straight flight from Jeddah to Al Mahalla. From any of these three Yemeni airports, you can go to Socotra.
Seiyun is the economic center of the Hadhramaut region of central Yemen. You can also travel straight to Seiyun Airport from Cairo and Jeddah.
Flights may be purchased directly from any Yemenia ticket-issuing office in advance in cash (Cairo and Kuwait City are easiest) but in order for your seat to actually be issued, you’ll need to supply the Yemenia office or your agent with a copy of your passport and your Yemeni visa in advance of your travel date (ideally two weeks in advance).
Nowadays you can’t travel to Yemen through the Oman border. But there is a chance you can go by car through Al Wadiah, Saudi Arabia. Of course, double-check before planning.
Traveling unescorted in Yemen is not recommended and may not even be possible, as there are numerous military checkpoints and multi-national (UAE and Saudi) interests in this part of Yemen, many of which will meticulously investigate and promptly deport an unaccompanied foreigner.
Ferry: Salalah to Socotra
Depending on the season there is a semi-regular cement boat that travels between the Omani port city of Salalah and Socotra island. The boat leaves when full, between 1-4 times per month in each direction.
It takes anywhere between 2-4 days to reach Socotra depending on weather and sea conditions. There are no services available on the boat. You have to bring your own food, water, and sleeping supplies. The boat is also infested with roaches, so it’s not a pleasant way to get to the island. On the flip side, it is a cheap way of getting to Socotra. A “ticket” costs about $100 one-way. If you’re on a tight budget and have a lot of time to wait, this may be an option for you.
Surfait, Yemen. A Yemeni visa and entry stamp issued at the Surfait Border. Matt Reichel.
How to Get a Yemeni Visa
Yemeni travel visas are no longer issued at diplomatic missions overseas. Rather, all visa applications must be approved by the Immigration Directorate in Aden, Socotra or Seiyun. As a tourist, you are not able to apply by yourself. You require a sponsor to apply on your behalf.
The easiest sponsors are travel companies who are experienced in arranging visits for foreigners in this current conflict-prone post-revolution environment. Much has changed in Yemen since the war broke out in 2014, and now only a handful of experienced travel guides remain in the country with the connections and knowledge to bring foreigners in safety and responsibly.
To apply, you will need to send your sponsor a photocopy of your passport as well as your anticipated arrival and departure date from Yemen. Your visa is issued upon arrival at the border, as long as your sponsor has met you at the border and brought the approval paperwork. There, they will stamp the visa into your passport and give you an entry stamp for a “stamping fee” of $100.
These visas are theoretically valid for travel to all of government-controlled (Hadi or STC) Yemen, including Socotra Island. However, for all intents and purposes, given the number of roadblocks and security checkpoints, you may very easily be stopped and turned away at any one of them, especially in particularly remote or sensitive areas.
A Note on Socotra Visas
Socotra has its own immigration authority in Hadibo. This office is able to issue visas much more easily than going through Aden or Seiyun. You still need a sponsor on the island, but the application process is simple, costs $150-$200 and is issued in about a week. Once ready, the visa can be sent to you by WhatsApp or email. Just print it out and bring it with you.
Note: you are not able to use visas issued by the Socotra immigration office to clear immigration in Mainland Yemen. This means that Socotra visas are not accepted at the border with Oman nor at Seiyun Airport. These visas may only be used for entry to Socotra when coming from overseas direct.
Want to visit Yemen and Socotra?
Your guide to navigating the border crossings.