---

Last updated: 1 October 2026

1. About our payment arrangements

Socotra Travel Center is a locally operated travel and tour service based in Hadibo, Socotra Island, Yemen.

We organize and provide guided tours, group tours, private tours and customized travel arrangements. Depending on the itinerary, a trip may include services provided by independent third-party suppliers such as airlines, accommodation providers, local transportation providers, guides, cooks and activity providers.

Our tour prices and payment arrangements are quoted in United States dollars (USD) unless your quotation or invoice states otherwise.

2. What your tour price includes

Depending on the specific itinerary and quotation, the total trip cost may consist of separate components.

A. Flight component

Where included in your confirmed itinerary, the flight component covers the applicable airline ticket.

For itineraries using Yemenia Airways between Jeddah (JED) and Socotra (SOC), the flight amount is treated as a third-party airline cost and normally must be paid in full when the ticket is issued.

Other gateways, airlines or routes may be available for particular departures. The airline, route, fare and amount applicable to your booking will be stated in your quotation or invoice.

Airline fares, availability, schedules and ticket conditions are controlled by the applicable airline and may change.

B. Land-tour component

Depending on the itinerary, the land-tour component may include:

• visa processing assistance;
• Socotra entry permits;
• applicable government or official fees;
• accommodation;
• private 4×4 transportation;
• local guide;
• cook;
• meals;
• camping equipment;
• excursions and activities included in the itinerary; and
• other services specifically stated in your confirmed itinerary.

The exact inclusions and exclusions of each tour are shown on the applicable tour page, quotation or invoice.

---

3. Two-stage payment system

We normally use a two-stage payment system.

Stage 1 — Deposit to confirm the booking

The initial payment normally consists of:

100% of the applicable flight cost

PLUS

30% of the land-tour cost

For example:

Flight: $800
Land tour: $2,000
Initial payment: $800 + $600 = $1,400
Remaining land-tour balance: $1,400

The initial payment is required because airline seats may have short booking/hold periods and visa/permit processing and related official charges may need to be initiated in advance.

Flight availability and holding periods vary according to the airline and fare conditions. Where a flight hold is available, we may have only a limited period to secure it.

Visa processing may take approximately 20–30 working days, but processing times are determined by the relevant authorities and are not guaranteed.

A booking is not considered fully confirmed until:

1. the required booking information has been received;
2. the passport information/copy required for the travel arrangements has been provided;
3. the required payment has been received and verified;
4. the applicable flight has been successfully ticketed, where flights are included; and
5. Socotra Travel Center has issued written booking confirmation and the official invoice.

---

4. Stage 2 — Final balance

The remaining 70% of the land-tour component is normally payable:

In cash USD upon arrival in Socotra, or

by international bank transfer no later than 15 days before departure, where this arrangement has been agreed in advance.

The exact balance due is always stated on the customer’s official invoice.

For some early bookings or special group arrangements, an alternative payment schedule may be offered. Any alternative schedule must be agreed in writing before payment.

For bookings made close to departure, Socotra Travel Center may require a higher initial payment or full payment depending on the flight, visa, supplier and availability conditions.

---

5. Accepted payment methods

Because international banking and card-payment facilities are limited in Socotra, our principal payment methods are:

Western Union cash pickup is currently our primary payment method for many international customers.

Receiving information:

Receiver: ALA HAG ALI AL HAJJ
Country: Yemen
City: Hadibo
Service: Cash Pickup / Money Transfer

The receiver name must exactly match the authorized recipient information provided to you by Socotra Travel Center.

After sending the transfer, please provide:

• Western Union transfer/reference number (MTCN);
• sender’s full name;
• amount sent;
• currency;
• country from which the transfer was sent; and
• a copy/photo of the transfer receipt where requested.

Western Union fees are the responsibility of the sender unless your invoice states otherwise.

Because international transfers to Yemen can encounter banking or compliance restrictions, customers should follow the payment instructions included on their official Socotra Travel Center proforma invoice.

Important

Never send money to a different recipient name unless Socotra Travel Center has confirmed the change through our official contact details.

---

5.2 International bank transfer

International bank transfer may be available for:

• group bookings;
• corporate bookings;
• larger transactions; or
• other bookings approved by Socotra Travel Center.

Bank details will be provided through the official proforma invoice or official business communication.

International transfers may take several business days depending on the sending bank, intermediary banks and compliance procedures.

All intermediary and sending-bank charges are the responsibility of the sender unless otherwise stated on the invoice.

Allow sufficient time for funds to arrive before the applicable payment deadline.

---

5.3 Payment of the final balance on arrival

Where approved in advance, the remaining land-tour balance may be paid in cash USD upon arrival in Socotra.

---

Our payment methods may change according to payment-provider availability, banking infrastructure and the transaction.

Only the payment methods actively displayed on your current invoice or official payment instructions should be used.

If an online card, PayPal or other electronic payment option is not displayed or specifically confirmed for your booking, do not attempt to pay through an old or third-party payment link.

This section is important because the previous version of this page still advertised PayPal and Stripe card payments. That wording should be removed if those methods are no longer operational.

---

7. Proforma invoice and official invoice

Proforma invoice

After confirming the trip details and applicable amount, we may send a proforma invoice by email or WhatsApp so that payment can be made promptly, particularly where airline seat availability is limited.

A proforma invoice is a payment request and does not by itself constitute final booking confirmation.

Official invoice

After the required payment has been received and verified, we issue an official PDF invoice containing, where applicable:

• Socotra Travel Center business/trading name;
• invoice number;
• customer name;
• relevant travel/passport details needed for the booking;
• tour name and dates;
• services included;
• total amount;
• amount received;
• remaining balance;
• applicable payment terms; and
• contact information.

Any registration, license or other official reference will only be shown where it is currently applicable and supportable.

The official invoice should be sent from our authorized business email address.

Official contact email: info@socotratravels.com

---

8. Flight ticket and visa documentation

Where flights are included and ticketing has been completed, the applicable airline e-ticket/booking information will be sent to the customer.

For visa processing, we will provide confirmation that the application or request has been submitted when such confirmation is available.

Visa issuance timing is controlled by the relevant authorities. Although visas may sometimes be issued shortly before departure, including approximately 7–10 days before departure in some cases, this is not a guaranteed issuance date.

---

9. Currency and transfer fees

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

All amounts are in USD.

Customers are responsible for:

• currency conversion losses;
• sender’s bank fees;
• intermediary bank fees;
• Western Union fees; and
• other third-party payment charges applicable to the customer’s transaction.

The customer must ensure that the amount actually received by Socotra Travel Center equals the amount specified on the invoice.

---

10. Cancellation — flight component

The flight component is governed by the fare conditions and policies applicable to the ticket actually issued.

Once a ticket has been issued, cancellation, refund, rebooking, name correction and date-change conditions depend on the applicable airline and fare rules.

We will communicate the applicable conditions available to us when the flight is booked.

Any airline refund is dependent on the airline processing and remitting the refundable amount.

Do not rely on a fixed percentage or fixed change fee unless that amount is specifically stated on your ticket, fare rule or written quotation.

This is important because Yemenia’s current public FAQ lists different general fees from some historical/agent figures, including a $20 change penalty and $100 cancellation/no-show penalties. The actual fare conditions for the issued ticket therefore need to control.

---

11. Cancellation — land-tour component

Unless a specific quotation states different conditions:

Land-tour deposit

The 30% land-tour deposit is normally non-refundable because it may be committed to government/administrative processing, permits, accommodation deposits and other arrangements.

However, where the booking conditions permit, the paid land-tour deposit may be transferred:

as credit toward another Socotra Travel Center tour within 12 months from the original departure date, or

to another traveler at no additional transfer fee, subject to availability and any third-party restrictions.

Cancellation 15–30 days before departure

A partial refund may be available depending on costs already committed to hotels, transport, guides, permits and other suppliers.

Cancellation less than 15 days before departure

The land-tour amount paid is generally non-refundable because substantial arrangements and supplier commitments may already have been made.

No-show

No refund is normally available for a no-show.

---

12. Visa rejection

If a visa or entry authorization is officially rejected by the relevant authority, we will review the amounts paid and refund eligible amounts according to the applicable third-party costs and administrative charges.

Where an official rejection document is available, please provide it to us.

Government processing fees, administrative costs and other amounts already paid to third parties may be non-refundable.

We do not claim or guarantee a particular visa approval rate.

---

13. Refund processing

Approved refunds for amounts held by Socotra Travel Center are normally processed within 14 business days after the refund has been approved and all required information has been received.

Where the refund depends on an airline or another third-party provider, the third party’s processing period applies.

Airline refunds can take 30–45 days or longer, depending on the carrier and transaction.

The time taken by Western Union, banks, card processors or other intermediaries to deliver the funds to the customer is outside our control.

---

14. Cancellation or disruption by Socotra Travel Center

If we are unable to operate a confirmed tour because of events beyond our reasonable control, including:

• severe cyclones;
• natural disasters;
• armed conflict;
• major government restrictions;
• serious transportation disruption;
• closure of Socotra Airport;
• cancellation of the applicable Socotra flight operation; or
• other extraordinary circumstances,

we will offer the customer:

Option 1

Refund of 100% of the land-tour component paid to Socotra Travel Center, together with any applicable flight refund that the airline actually refunds to us; or

Option 2

Free rebooking to another available date within 18 months, subject to availability.

International flights, hotels outside Socotra, accommodation in transit cities and other services purchased separately by the customer are not included in this commitment and remain subject to the conditions of the respective provider.

---

15. Customer responsibilities

Customers must:

• provide accurate passport and traveler information;
• ensure their passport is valid for the required period;
• provide required documents on time;
• arrive at the applicable departure city with sufficient time for the flight;
• obtain appropriate travel insurance;
• disclose relevant medical, dietary and accessibility requirements;
• comply with applicable laws;
• respect local communities and cultural norms;
• follow environmental and protected-area rules; and
• follow reasonable safety instructions given by guides or service providers.

For flights departing from Jeddah, customers should normally arrive in Jeddah at least 24 hours before the scheduled Socotra flight, unless their confirmed itinerary specifies otherwise.

Flight schedules can change, so customers should always follow their confirmed itinerary and latest airline information.

---

16. Travel insurance

We recommend coverage appropriate to the trip, including:

• emergency medical expenses;
• medical evacuation;
• trip cancellation;
• trip interruption;
• baggage loss/delay; and
• personal liability where appropriate.

Customers remain responsible for obtaining and maintaining appropriate insurance.

---

17. Fraud protection

To protect customers against payment fraud:

Socotra Travel Center will not intentionally ask customers to send payment to:

• an unrelated person;
• an unrelated country;
• an unauthorized bank account;
• a cryptocurrency wallet; or
• a payment recipient not confirmed by our official communication channels.

If you receive a suspicious payment request, do not send the money.

Verify the instruction using our official contact details:

Email: info@socotratravels.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +967 771 861 620

The official receiver name for Western Union should match the payment instructions provided with your invoice.

---

18. Privacy and use of personal information

Passport and traveler information is collected only when needed for legitimate travel, booking, visa, permit, airline, accommodation, safety or administrative purposes.

Information may be shared with the relevant third parties necessary to provide the booked service, which may include:

• airlines;
• Yemen immigration/visa authorities;
• accommodation providers;
• transportation providers;
• guides;
• permit authorities; and
• payment providers.

We do not sell customer personal information for marketing.

---

19. Acceptance

Payment does not waive any mandatory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

---

20. Contact

Socotra Travel Center
Hadibo, Socotra Island, Yemen