General rules
Booking a tour
To secure your reservation, a 50% deposit is required to facilitate the processing of your flight and visa arrangements. The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to your arrival. We kindly request that you wait until your Socotra flight tickets have been officially issued before finalizing any international travel arrangements.
Damages
While we are dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being during your time in Socotra, please note that the care of personal items remains the responsibility of the guest. [Company Name] cannot be held liable for personal injury or loss of property. We kindly ask that you treat our equipment with care, as guests are responsible for any damages incurred to company assets. Your safety is our primary concern, and we strive to maintain the highest standards of protection for all our visitors.
Damages
The removal of any local flora or fauna including seeds, plants, animals, reptiles, or biological specimens is strictly prohibited. Such actions are classified as smuggling under local and international law and are punishable by fines of up to $10,000 USD. To ensure compliance with environmental regulations, please review our full list of restricted activities.
Weather
Hellosocotra reserves the right to amend or modify the tour itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, road accessibility, or accommodation overcapacity. Any adjustments will be made at our professional discretion to prioritize guest safety and ensure the highest quality of service.
No changes during the tour
Once on the island, tour packages are fixed and non-adjustable regarding routes, lodging, and dining. Flexibility for such changes is exclusively available to guests on private tours, where itineraries can be tailored to accommodate reasonable requests.
Sexual harassments
To ensure a respectful experience for both our guests and the local community, we ask that you observe our cultural norms. Please note that harassment of any kind is not tolerated and is subject to local laws. Additionally, out of respect for privacy and tradition, please refrain from taking photos of local women without permission. Your guide is available to help navigate these customs and answer any questions you may have.
Medical condition
To ensure your safety and well-being, please disclose any pre-existing medical conditions prior to your departure so that we may take the necessary precautions. Please be advised that our services do not include medical insurance or coverage for healthcare procedures. We require all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical protection for the duration of the trip.
Hospitalisation
In the event of a medical emergency or fatality, please be advised that all associated costs including hospital treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation are the sole responsibility of the guest or their next of kin. To mitigate these risks, we require all travellers to maintain comprehensive travel insurance that provides adequate coverage for such contingencies.
Our terms and conditions
We may add to or change these terms and conditions at any time, including by varying fees and charges or by introducing new ones at any time without prior notice.
Tour conditions
Flight cancellation
In the event of a cancellation, including changes of mind, a full refund will be issued less any applicable bank charges, currency conversion fees, and international transfer costs.
To qualify, notice must be provided at least ten (10) days prior to arrival for private tours and eight (8) days for group tours.
Cancellation because of the flight
In the event of airline-initiated cancellations or suspensions, bookings are non-refundable. Guests will instead be eligible for a credit toward a future tour date at no extra charge.
In the event of a return flight cancellation while you are in Socotra, please be advised that all additional expenses including accommodation, meals, and transportation are the responsibility of the traveller. We strongly recommend ensuring your travel insurance policy covers such contingencies or considering our Socotra+ Travel Protection for added peace of mind.
Early fight tour cancellation
Please see the flight ticket for the full T&Cs. Any cancellation or change of date after the flight ticket is issued, a $300 fee applies, and the remaining balance will be held as a credit with the charter flight company to be used within a year for the same passenger.
Cancellation because of instability
Cancellations arising from instability within Socotra, Yemen, or the Middle East region do not qualify for a refund; instead, all affected guests will be offered the opportunity to reschedule their itinerary.
Airlines conditions
Early tour cancellation
In case of cancellation from the airlines due to any circumstances like bad weather, alternate options can be provided such as full refund or credit which can be used within one year of the travel date, however, it’s subject to their management decision.
Late flight cancellation
Any cancellation or change of date within eight days prior to departure is non-refundable, and no-shows are non-refundable for any reason.
Late tour cancellation
Cancellations for both private and group tours made within eight (8) days of the arrival date are non-refundable. However, guests may reschedule their tour dates at no additional cost, subject to availability.
Cancellations made within three (3) days of arrival are strictly non-refundable. In cases of documented extenuating circumstances beyond the guest’s control, a full or partial refund or a date change may be considered. Such exceptions are granted solely at the discretion of management and are subject to review.
Other services
Service standard
In case of cancellation from the airlines due to any circumstances like bad weather, alternate options can be provided such as full refund or credit which can be used within one year of the travel date, however, it’s subject to their management decision.
Late flight cancellation
Any cancellation or change of date within eight days prior to departure is non-refundable, and no-shows are non-refundable for any reason.
Hotel and visa
Both hotel booking and visa are non-refundable in the event of cancellation for any reason.
Going to Yemen mainland
You are not permitted to go to the mainland of Yemen using an issued tourist visa from Socotra without a special permit from our company.
Working or research
Not permitted to do any paid or unpaid work on a tourist visa.
No journalism, interviews, or research work can be conducted on a tourist visa; you will need a special permit, ask us how if unsure.