Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED, OEJN) is the clearest air gateway. For Al Lith-based charters, confirm a licensed arranged transfer from Jeddah to the marina; Dream Divers estimates approximately 2.5 hours, while another cruise agency quotes 2.5-3 hours. Other Banks vessels sail directly from Jeddah and do not require a traveler road transfer to Al Lith. Determine your actual embarkation marina from the specific operator. Neither route should be confused with a Jazan ferry to the excluded Farasan Islands. King Abdulaziz International Airport - Official Site Saudi Air Navigation Services - Jeddah Airport AIP

The main international gateway used by verified Al Lith-transfer cruises and Jeddah-to-Jeddah Farasan Banks sailings. Route and terminal arrangements depend on airline and operator. King Abdulaziz International Airport - Official Site Saudi Air Navigation Services - Jeddah Airport AIP Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs

Use an agreed airport-to-marina transfer rather than trying to navigate directly to an unspecified port. For local Al Lith snorkeling and inland excursions, Al Ahlam organizes marine and land outings, but private guides, boats, pick-up times and prices must be reconfirmed. For offshore Banks trips, the cruise vessel and its tenders provide authorized site access. No routine public ferry from Al Lith to the Banks was established. Dream Divers - Itineraries Al Ahlam Marine - Al Leith Tour Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks

Check eligibility and apply using the official Saudi eVisa portal. The official terms say eligible applicants need at least six months of passport validity from entry; standard tourist eVisas are one-year, multiple-entry, with a maximum stay of three months unless an issued visa says otherwise. Eligibility, fees, insurance and any visa on arrival option depend on nationality. Carry the passport used to apply, and follow public decorum rules including modest clothing in public. Cruise or dive permits are separate from immigration permission. Do not assume a Jeddah cruise booking grants access to every reef or beach.

For the Banks, carry certification and recent logs, an appropriate computer, SMB, signaling device, well-fitted exposure protection, Nitrox card if your cruise requires it, and proof of dive insurance. Saudi Master advertises rental and DIN valves with INT adapters. Dream Divers says its separate vessels use aluminum 12L cylinders with K valves and no DIN fittings, so never assume tank/regulator compatibility across boats. Al Ahlam resort offers local BCD, fin, mask, regulator and wetsuit rental if ordered ahead. Dive courses, individual rental items and consumables may incur additional fees. Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks Dream Divers - Itineraries Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina

Saudi riyals are used for local spending. Hotels and established shops commonly accept cards; cruise companies sometimes bill in euros or US dollars. Request an itemized invoice in the operator's quoted currency and check international card/VAT fees. Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks

ATMs are widely found in Jeddah and other urban centers, but do not rely on access at the marina or offshore. Withdraw any needed local cash before boarding. Operator country guidance

Saudi SASO documents the transition toward 230V British-style plugs and some historical 127V circuits. Verify actual vessel outlets, which can differ: Dream Divers describes 240V/60Hz vessel supply. Carry a suitable Type G adapter and dual-voltage chargers rather than assuming one boat's power matches a hotel. Saudi Standards Organization - Plug and Socket Campaign Saudi Standards Organization - Electronic Display Standard 2026 Dream Divers - Itineraries

Communications

STC, Mobily and Zain provide domestic mobile service, with visitor SIM or eSIM options at airports/shops; passport identification may be required. Open-sea cellular coverage is not assured. Ask the liveaboard specifically about working onboard Wi-Fi, satellite communications, permitted radio gear and emergency contact details. DUNE and Saudi Master publish Wi-Fi details, but no continuous offshore connection guarantee. Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks

Language

Arabic is the official language. English is commonly used by tourism and dive operators, but confirm the language of dive briefings, safety documentation and guides with the booked vessel. Operator country guidance

Insurance

Purchase appropriate travel and specialist diving insurance covering current activity, certified depth, treatment for diving injury, decompression chamber care, offshore medical retrieval and emergency air evacuation. The Saudi Master FAQ makes dive and travel insurance a booking requirement; DUNE lists diving insurance as mandatory and excluded from its base price. Ask in writing whether non-diver snorkeling and remote evacuation are also covered. Check any limits, exclusions and preapproval requirements. Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks

Packing list

Take a passport with adequate validity and visa, confirmed cruise transfer instructions, certification and dive log, Nitrox card if required, medical clearance if triggered by questionnaire, policy contacts, mandatory computer, SMB, whistle, personal mask, suitable exposure suit and sun protection. For shore outings carry a refillable bottle, modest cover-up for public spaces, rugged sandals and a dry bag. Ask the boat about batteries, chargers, DIN/yoke adapter and equipment rental availability before you fly. Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks

Al Lith and Farasan Banks

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