An extraordinary island in Africa, located between two nations, is renowned for its unique biodiversity and striking landscapes. However, British tourists are currently unable to travel there due to travel restrictions.

Socotra Island is a unique and isolated archipelago in the Arabian Sea, officially part of Yemen.

Renowned for its supernatural landscapes and great biodiversity, the island has sometimes been nicknamed the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean”.

The island is home to a large number of endemic species, that is, species that do not exist anywhere else on Earth.

About a third of its flora is unique to the island, making it an essential area for conservation.

Notable examples include the dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), known for its umbrella-shaped canopy and red resin, and the bottle tree (Adenium obesum), with its swollen trunk and pink flowers.

However, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) strongly advises against all travel to Yemen, including Socotra, due to the volatile security situation on the continent and the limited availability of consular support in the region. .

This notice does not legally prevent travel, but it can complicate travel logistics and impact travel insurance, as many insurers will not cover trips taken against official government advice.

The UK Government’s advice is: “Support for the British people is severely limited in Yemen. Services at the British Embassy in Sanaa are suspended and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. The UK Government cannot help British nationals leave Yemen evacuation procedures in place.

Socotra is home to distinct species of birds, reptiles and insects, some of which are found only on the island. However, it lacks large mammals and many of its animals have evolved to occupy ecological niches that would otherwise be occupied by larger creatures.

The island’s landscapes range from rugged mountains and limestone plateaus to white sandy beaches and coastal plains. The Hajhir Mountains dominate the interior, providing a spectacular backdrop to the coastline and home to rare vegetation.

Socotra’s beaches are pristine and often empty, with stunning white sand and turquoise waters.

The surrounding coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins and sea turtles, making it a fantastic place for snorkeling and scuba diving.