Terms & Policies

Booking Terms & Conditions

By booking a tour with Socotra Forever, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before making your reservation.

Making a Reservation

To secure your booking, we require a deposit of 30% of the total tour price. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your arrival date. For bookings made less than 30 days before travel, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Confirmation Process

Once we receive your booking request:

• We will review your request within 24 hours
• You will receive a detailed itinerary and payment instructions
• Upon receiving your deposit, we will send a booking confirmation
• Final travel documents will be sent 14 days before departure

Minimum Age & Fitness

Our tours are generally suitable for travelers aged 12 and above. Some adventure tours require a higher level of physical fitness. Please inform us of any medical conditions or mobility limitations when booking so we can advise on tour suitability.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while allowing us to manage our operations effectively.

Cancellation by Traveler

Cancellation by Socotra Forever

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your tour due to circumstances beyond our control (flight cancellations, political instability, natural disasters, etc.), you will receive:

• Full refund of all payments made, OR
• Option to reschedule to a later date with no additional fees

Changes to Your Booking

You may modify your travel dates up to 30 days before departure with no fee, subject to availability. Changes made within 30 days may incur a $150 modification fee.

Payment Terms

Accepted Payment Methods

Currency & Pricing

All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD). Prices include all applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to adjust prices due to changes in local taxes, fuel costs, or exchange rates, but will notify you at least 30 days before departure if this occurs.

Travel Requirements

Passport & Visas

All travelers must have:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
• At least 2 blank pages in your passport
• Yemeni visa or appropriate entry permits (we assist with this process)

Visa Assistance

Socotra Forever provides visa assistance as part of our service. We will guide you through the process and provide all necessary documentation. Please apply for your visa at least 45 days before travel.

Health Requirements

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Socotra, we recommend:

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, flu)
• Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines
• Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage

Travel Documents

You are responsible for ensuring you have all necessary travel documents. Socotra Forever cannot be held responsible if you are denied entry due to incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Insurance & Safety

Travel Insurance Requirements

All travelers are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Medical coverage of at least $100,000
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Personal belongings coverage

Our Safety Measures

Socotra Forever maintains high safety standards:

• All guides are certified in first aid and emergency response
• We carry satellite communication devices on all remote excursions
• Our vehicles are regularly maintained and equipped with safety equipment
• We monitor weather conditions and adjust itineraries accordingly

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, our guides are trained to coordinate with local authorities and medical facilities. We maintain relationships with clinics in Hadibu and have evacuation procedures in place for serious medical emergencies.

Responsible Tourism Policy

As locals born and raised in Socotra, we are deeply committed to protecting our island's unique environment and supporting our community.

Environmental Commitment

Community Support

Your booking directly supports our local community:

• We employ only local Socotri guides and staff
• We stay in locally-owned accommodations and homestays
• We purchase food and supplies from local farmers and fishermen
• A portion of every tour goes to our community development fund

Visitor Code of Conduct

We ask all our guests to:

• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting villages
• Ask permission before photographing local people
• Support local artisans by purchasing authentic handicrafts
• Learn a few words of Soqotri – our guides will teach you!

Privacy Policy

Socotra Forever respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide our services:

• Personal details (name, nationality, passport information)
• Contact information (email, phone number)
• Travel preferences and dietary requirements
• Medical information relevant to your safety

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for:

• Processing your booking and payments
• Arranging necessary permits and visas
• Ensuring your safety during the tour
• Communicating important travel information

Data Protection

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information. We do not sell or share your data with third parties except as necessary to provide our services (e.g., visa processing authorities).

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections to your information
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-out of marketing communications