Saudi and UAE transit visas

[strikingviking]

After being turned down by several Iranian consulates, I'm stuck in Instanbul seeking a way to Pakistan. Plan B is to ride south through Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE to Oman and find a ship heading for Karachi. The Syrians have assured me on the phone that visas are issued to Americans in one afternoon with no letter of recommendation needed. Jordan is equally accomodating.

The question is how and where to obtain a three day Saudi transit visa. I realize that a visa for the next country is needed before even applying so that leaves the issue of how and where to get a visa for UAE. From reading the information on these threads it appears that regulations are constantly changing and of course, are affected by nationality.

Once in Oman, is it possible to cross to Karachi by ferry? Most ships do not allow passengers to accompany their vehicles but I don't like the idea of being separated from my bike. If all else fails, there's air freighting. All suggestions are deeply appreciated.
Thanks
Glen www.strikingviking.net


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