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Tourist Visa for Socotra

Replies: 5 - Last Post: Nov 20, 2012 10:28 AM Last Post By: mateosh40

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mateosh40

mateosh40 avatar

Nov 1, 2012 6:56 PM
Posts:  92

Tourist Visa for Socotra

Does anyone know the current tourist visa requirements for Yemen, specifically for Americans visiting Socotra via Felix Air Sharjah UAE to Socotra)?

My understanding was that a Yemen based travel agency had to submit a letter of invitation on your behalf and process the visa, email it to you and then upon arrival at the Socotra airport the Yemen visa would be stamped to the passport. I have been working with Socotra Eco-Tours on this.

However, today I spoke to the Yemen embassy in Washington DC and was told that I must have a visa in my passport before I am allowed to enter Yemen. The embassy also informed me tourist visas are being issued now and I do not need a letter of invitation.

I would prefer to not have to pay for two visas. In my experience embassy's can sometimes have different visa requirements from one another and if a travel agent in Socotra who works with the Yemeni immigration in Socotra states the visa can be issued on arrival, I'm inclined to believe him.

If anyone has any updates on this please advise.

Thanks,

stevep

stevep avatar

Nov 2, 2012 7:14 AM
Posts:  41

1

I agree. Abdujameel will know what you need to enter via Sharjah.

mateosh40

mateosh40 avatar

Nov 3, 2012 10:41 AM
Posts:  92

2

Thanks for the info! I'll stick with the plan in progress then. I look forward to seeing Socotra.

Matt

mateosh40

mateosh40 avatar

Nov 4, 2012 11:45 AM
Posts:  92

3

Just to clarify I've been working with Unexplored Socotra travel agency and not Socotra Eco-Tours.

Thanks,
Matt

ketchacha

ketchacha avatar

Nov 16, 2012 3:26 AM
Posts:  38

4

The email confirmation is only for your own peace of mind, but the original will be necessary at the airport to get into the country. I'm American, arrived last week and someone from the office brought the original and I got through no problem. I would still print out the email confirmation just to have it.

mateosh40

mateosh40 avatar

Nov 20, 2012 10:28 AM
Posts:  92

5

It turns out that Yemen has for some mysterious reason added me to a red list and banned me from entry and my visa was denied. I have been to Yemen before but visiting tourist sites in Haraz Mtns and Marib are hardly threatening to national security. I hope to some day make it to Socotra.
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