Short Guide to Explore the Red Sea Coast Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most popular destinations for global travelers, and Europeans are not an exception. The Red Sea Coast in Saudi Arabia has been a popular destination for travelers because of its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches, and natural beauty. Are you a European citizen looking to travel Red Sea in Saudi Arabia? In this blog, we are going to discover the amazing Red Coast and its stunning beauty. 

The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia is emerging as a luxury beach destination. From scintillating beaches to beautiful coral reefs, the Red Sea Coast is welcoming European travelers with open arms. 

Why the Red Sea Coast Appeals to European Travelers

Connected with the Western coastline of the KSA, the Red Sea Coast in Saudi Arabia is filled with natural splendors and marine wonders. Since the opening of international travel in Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea Coast has been one of the main attractions for European tourists. But why is the Red Sea on everyone’s travel radar? Let’s find out. 

Hidden from the World

During previous years, the Red Sea Coast in Saudi Arabia was out of the reach of the general tourists. However, it has been changed with Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ strategy. The country welcomed tourists and let them know about the best-kept secrets, like the Red Sea Coast. Now, it has emerged as a luxury beach destination and a global tourist attraction. 

European citizens love to visit Saudi Arabia because of the warm and temperate climate. Europe’s scenic landscape, which is filled with mountains and lakes, is in stark contrast with Saudi Arabia’s exotic coral reefs, desert weather, and luxury coast. Hence, for European citizens, this trip would be a memory of a lifetime.

A Diver’s Fantasy

The Red Sea Coast is an ideal place for divers. Even if you have not tried scuba diving yet, you will love getting your first diving experience here. Unlike other coral reefs, where coral bleaching and overpopulation have started to impact the biodiversity, the coral reefs of the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia are highly popular among tourists. With clear visibility and playful dolphins, your diving experience will be one of a kind. 

As of now, we have understood why European people would love to explore Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast. Now, let’s look at some of the best places around the Red Sea that every European tourist would love to visit. 

Gateway Cities: Jeddah and Yanbu

Jeddah and Yanbu are two port cities located on the coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. These beautiful cities have a blend of modern lifestyle and historic places. Alongside all these, these cities are best to visit for easy access to the Red Sea. 

Jeddah

Jeddah has become a modern commercial hub of Saudi Arabia. It is a key port located beside the Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia. Here you can visit places like: 

• King Fahd’s Fountain: A beautiful fountain located at the Red Sea, this has an enchanting view when it is illuminated at night. 
• Jeddah Corniche: Located just beside the Red Sea, this is a waterfront that people love. From sandy beaches to mind-blowing recreational activities and restaurants, this place will attract European citizens massively. 
• Al-Balad:  The historic centre of Jeddah. This district of Jeddah is where you can see the blend of history, tradition, and culture. This has been recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Yanbu

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Jeddah, then Yanbu might be the quieter alternative you should look for. Yanbu is open for tourists for water-based activities like diving and snorkeling. Yanbu is popularly known as the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’ because of its pristine marine environment and vibrant coral reefs. 

You can also visit Yanbu’s Lake Park, which helps in offers a memorable experience for tourists visiting with families. Overall, Yanbu is a great spot to wind down, sunbathe, and enjoy the marine life.  

Diving and Snorkeling Along the Red Sea

The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia has a huge and diverse marine ecosystem, which has around 50 species of sharks, 314 types of different corals, and rare fish. As we said earlier, it is like a heaven for divers and water sport enthusiasts. 

You can see rich coral reefs and historical shipwrecks in Yanbu. Yanbu, Jeddah, and Umbluj have some popular diving sites that European tourists might want to visit. Yanbu’s Seven Sisters Reef and Iona Wreck are some of the best diving sites that tourists can visit in Yanbu. Shore diving is also a good alternative, which you can explore in Jeddah. 

Umluj – The ‘Saudi Maldives’

Situated beside the pristine Red Sea Coast, Umluj is an amazing location to explore, considering the popularity of other places in Saudi Arabia. A combination of history and breathtaking nature, Umluj, the ‘Saudi Maldives’, can be a great option for European travelers to visit. 

Things to do in Umluj Beach

How about taking a mesmerizing boat ride along the Red Sea and observing the marine life? You can do that in Umluj. Hidden caves, rugged coastline, and stunning beach, you can get all in Umluj beach. With white sand beaches and turquoise water, this will be a great watch for European citizens. 

For those who love an underwater adventure, snorkeling and diving opportunities are also available here. You can immerse yourself in the lukewarm sea and explore the vibrant and colorful coral reefs. 

Travel Tips for European Visitors

Before traveling to the Red Sea Coast in Saudi Arabia, certain things need to be remembered by European visitors. Knowing these things will help the visitors elevate their tour experience. 

Best Travel Times

The ideal traveling time to the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia is the time between October and April because of the pleasant and cooler weather. This time you can comfortably do all the outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, and explore the beautiful coastline of the Red Sea. 

Flight Connections 

Saudi Arabia is also a great tourist destination for Europeans because it has direct flight connectivity, as there are multiple flights from Budapest that can reach various important airports of Saudi Arabia, like Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Abha. 

Cultural Norms

For European tourists, it is essential to respect the local culture and norms. Saudi Arabians consider wearing short dresses as a lack of modesty. Hence, even on the public beach, tourists are not supposed to wear swimsuits or other dresses that are short in length. 

Visa Requirements for European Citizens

To enter Saudi Arabia, European citizens can opt for an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival. Among the multiple eVisas offered by Saudi Arabia, Europeans will need a tourist eVisa to travel to the wonders of the majestic country. However, to obtain a tourist eVisa, every foreign tourist needs to have relevant documents to produce whenever required. 

Must-have Documents for a Tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia

To get a Saudi eVisa, tourists need to apply to Saudi Arabia’s online eVisa portal or any certified visa provider. These documents are needed when European citizens are applying for an eVisa: 

• A European passport, which is valid for six months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. 
• A properly scanned and clear passport-sized photograph to upload with the online application. 
• After filling out the application form with valid information, applicants need to print out a copy of it. It would be required for future reference. 
• European citizens must have active travel insurance to visit Europe. Insurance documents can also be asked to produce. 

Relevant information regarding the Saudi Tourist eVisa

A Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa can be of two types: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry Saudi eVisa is valid for 3 months, and a tourist can stay in Saudi Arabia up to 30 days using it. On the other hand, multiple-entry visas are valid for a year and allow tourists to stay in Saudi Arabia up to 90 days. 

The processing time for these eVisas can be 1 to 2 days. 

Application Process for the eVisa

Now the application process for eVisa has gone entirely online, meaning the tourists do not need to waste their time visiting embassies and waiting in line. Here’s how a European tourist needs to apply for an eVisa: 

• Tourists need to create an eVisa account in Saudi Arabia’s official eVisa application portal
• Opting for the type of eVisa they need and the number of people applying for it
• Give all the necessary information as per the passport-bio page. 
• Information related to your insurance needs to be produced if required. 
• After all information is filled out and documents are uploaded, you will be redirected to pay the eVisa fee. 

While Availing a Visa on Arrival

The Saudi Arabian embassy provides visas on arrival for European citizens. After the tourists arrive at the selected entry ports in Saudi Arabia, the immigration officers will help travelers with the application for visas. It is necessary for the European tourists to carry all necessary documents that can be produced when asked. 

Pack Your Bags and Set for a Memorable Marine Adventure to the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia!

Planning to visit Saudi Arabia on your next holiday? Consider visiting the Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia for an unforgettable marine life experience.