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1 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tripoli, Libya
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Is it possible to get a Saudi Transit visa?
How difficult is it to get a Saudi transit visa as an American with a motorcycle?
I need 24-48 hours transit time.
Will they confiscate my camera at the border?
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1 Feb 2009
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Location: Warrington UK
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Hello,
I am sure it's just about impossible to get a transit visa.
you can have a family visa, or a bussiness visa.
the family visa is probably easier than the bussiness visa.
Do you know any one in Saudi?
perhaps not quite 'family' even.
'vette
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1 Feb 2009
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Where are you now? You might have a shot if applying in the US. As an American, I tried several times while riding the Middle East four years ago and was denied every time. But there have been some three-day transit visas granted recently. Do not apply anytime soon before or after the Haj as the government is either trying to reduce incoming visitors or trying to empty out when it ends.
Good luck amigo.
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1 Feb 2009
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saudi visa
Hi- We are British so we don't know if the rules for US are different, but we called the Saudi Embassy recently to ask this same question. We were told that obtaining a Saudi transit visa would be no problem at all if we had our next country visa in our passport. The embassy told us we could obtain our transit visa in Jordan and we would be given up to 7 days to get to the Jeddah ferry. They seemed surprised that we thought there may be a problem!?
Who knows- things change so quickly and it all depends on how your home country are getting on politically with where you want to go!!
Good luck and happy travels,
Dave 
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1 Feb 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monster
Hi- We are British so we don't know if the rules for US are different, but we called the Saudi Embassy recently to ask this same question. We were told that obtaining a Saudi transit visa would be no problem at all if we had our next country visa in our passport. The embassy told us we could obtain our transit visa in Jordan and we would be given up to 7 days to get to the Jeddah ferry. They seemed surprised that we thought there may be a problem!?
Who knows- things change so quickly and it all depends on how your home country are getting on politically with where you want to go!!
Good luck and happy travels,
Dave |
Congratulations in advance on receiving such a positive response. But beware that this could be a case of the left hand not knowing about the right. Saudis are notoriously stingy with their transit visas and far more are denied than accepted and not just for Americans. Hopefully things have changed since I applied, but back then, not only were the transit visas limited to three-days, those delivering the bad news of denial were about the rudest Embassy personnel I ever encountered. I tried from Istanbul, Syria, Egypt and Jordan.
Since Iran had also denied me a visa, in order to reach Pakistan, I wound up having to airfreight from Amman to Karachi. Be advised that Pakistan was requiring visa applications submitted while still in home countries. I got one in Eastern Europe but only after a personal meeting with the ambassador. (A great experience in itself)
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2 Feb 2009
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saudi visa
HOW TRUE!! We have also experienced the, "Yes you can" only to get there and find out that no we can't! Guess that's life on the road. But there does seem to be some basis to it- there are reports of people getting visa's but they are very vague.
Good luck with whatever you do. We still have no idea where we're going yet- 70% Africa, 30% South America.
Happy travels,
Dave
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2 Feb 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monster
there are reports of people getting visa's but they are very vague.
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I have a UK passport. I got a Saudi transit visa last summer and traveled across it on a motorbike in 3 and a bit days with a German friend. We had no problems.
We had delays getting initial approval for the visas but other than that, from border to border, the authorities were extremely friendly and helpful.
No, they won't confiscate your camera. Why would they? In any case, there is hardly a mobile phone on the market nowadays that doesn't contain a camera.
Apply and good luck. 
Stephan
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2 Feb 2009
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shipping was easier
I have a British friend who was working in UAE that transfered to Bahrain. He initially looked into driving his UAE registered car through Saudi to Bahrain but gave up and shipped it. Apparently it was going to be simple, but when it came to the crunch of getting the actual paperwork everything suddenly was going to take weeks.
Not saying it would be impossible but be aware that delays are a definite possibility
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3 Feb 2009
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WHen I lived in Abu Dhabi, I was originally told "no" if the trip was by bike.
then I was told "maybe" if I arranged to have the bike transported in the back of a Saudi truck. I didn't get the job, so the bike went to Canada instead.
A Jordanian friend, in UAE told me it's possible to drive a bike through Saudi if you have an invite by a local riding club. I don't have any info, and don't have that friend's email anymore, but it is an avenue to explore.
Good luck.
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3 Feb 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monster
Hi- We are British so we don't know if the rules for US are different, but we called the Saudi Embassy recently to ask this same question. We were told that obtaining a Saudi transit visa would be no problem at all if we had our next country visa in our passport. The embassy told us we could obtain our transit visa in Jordan and we would be given up to 7 days to get to the Jeddah ferry. They seemed surprised that we thought there may be a problem!?
Who knows- things change so quickly and it all depends on how your home country are getting on politically with where you want to go!!
Good luck and happy travels,
Dave |
Hello Dave,
that great news.
Quite different to what I was told about 3 to 4 weeks ago.
Pehaps your getting to the persons who know more in the consulate.
Was it the London one you phoned?
I will phone them tomorrow, Wednesday 04/2/2009.
Lets hope I get the same person, did you get a name?
'vette
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5 Feb 2009
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I finally got through to someone at the Saudi Embassy in the US and they claim that it is no problem to get a transit visa, but I need to apply for it in the country that I am entering Saudi Arabia from. Should I believe this?
Also, FYI Saudi Arabia had banned cellphone cameras for awhile.
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8 Feb 2009
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There was a madness on cellphone cameras a few years ago, but there is no issue now. Be careful what you photgraph in Saudi, people are touchy about their privacy. Authorities are touchy about security. Photos in the desert are fine. In towns, Iwould avoid.
Bin
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9 Feb 2009
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hello Bin,
I love these sort of posts.
I am UK citizen planning UK to CPT in a Land Cruiser. With the wife,
via Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi to Jeddah, (Ferry) then Sudan
With you knowledge, it sounds like I should apply for a Saudi transit visa in Jordan?
Correct?
Where shoul, or where is the best border to enter from Jordan to Saudi?.
Thanks
'vette
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2 Mar 2009
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saudi visa
Sorry for not replying sooner- social life hectic!!
UK vette- We didn't get a name at the London embassy and it was stressed that we should and could get our visa in Jordan, so long as we had our Sudan visa in our passport- it would not be a problem. Reckon they just want to make sure you are definitely going to leave!
When are you leaving and have you got any contacts for the ferry to Sudan? We have emailed our contact constantly and still no reply!!!
Dave
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29 Apr 2009
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If you are applying for a transit visa at a local level (neighboring country) try to find a 'fixer' to assist.
The discrete offer of a commission to speed up the process (because you are in a hurry to meet a friend etc etc) can help move things along.
Offering 'commissions' takes a fair bit of tact and diplomacy. It is best asked as a question and using a fixer if you can find somebody to trust.
Something like 'Is there a fee I can pay to accelerate the process" is not taken the wrong way.
Patience and politeness help too, however they act. The Arabs see losing your temper as a loss of face on the part of the individual.
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