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Saudi Arabia from UEA to Jordan; any advice? Saudi Arabia from UEA to Jordan; any advice?
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Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
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  #1  
Old 1 Aug 2007
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Saudi Arabia from UEA to Jordan; any advice?
Hello,
(Once I can replace the rear shock absorber) I want to ride from the UEA to Jordan via Saudi.
Have anyone had any experience riding there?
I asked the Saudi embassy about visa but all I could get from them was that I need an invitation before I approach them to apply for any visa.
Does anyone know of any Motorcycling/Automotive Association in Saudi that may be of help obtaining an invitation?
Does anyone one has any info about routes, roads and other particulars on the road in Saudi Arabia.
Thanks a lot
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Old 4 Aug 2007
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Do a search through this site and you will find a fair bit on this issue. However the short answer is it is VERY difficult to get a visa to ride through Saudi. Some people manage it but only the lucky few. Essentially, the police will want to escort you the whole way. Therefore, your ride needs to be fairly high-profile for them to want to commit the resources, eg a group fundraising ride, or a TV show (I'm sure Ewan and Charlie could get one). Do not rely on getting a Saudi visa when planning your trip, best set a route that avoids the place. I've yet to meet a "normal" bike traveller who has succeeded.

cheers
Brett
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  #3  
Old 4 Aug 2007
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To get a visa you need an invitation. The invitation generally comes from a Saudi government or business organisation and is usually work related. They will write to your local Saudi Embassy requesting issue of a visit visa.

Tourist visas or visit visas for travel are not so easy (i.e. very difficult) to come by, although this situation is slowly changing as Saudi starts to look at the development of tourism.

Your own Embassy will generally not request a visit visa on your behalf unless you have good reason or are well connected.

The Harley dealer here is very progressive and well connected. They promote cultural exchange via the HOG network and welcome riders from other countries. I don't know if they can help with a visa and I think it would only be if you are riding a Harley.

Thats as much as I know.. I'm here on a work visa so not an expert by any means.
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Old 12 Aug 2007
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There is an automobile/motorsports association of sorts that exists here, but how effective/influential/active they are, i dunno ...

Saudi Automobile & Touring Association (SATA) Home Page

try contacting them and maybe, you will get lucky ....
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  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2007
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visa
Have you look into a transit visa? I was reading in lonely planet about transit visas where you don't need a sponsor. 4 or 7 days, but I don't know if you get to see much in Saudi. The LP says its about the easiest way to see anything in Saudi. Good luck.
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Old 25 Aug 2007
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Transit Visa
Quote:
Originally Posted by macosie View Post
Have you look into a transit visa?
A transit visa is all one would need to pass through Saudi along the pipeline road, Macosie, but unfortunately the authorities in Dubai don't, as a rule, issue them to bikers. :confused1:
Stephan
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Old 25 Aug 2007
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I don't remember needing a visa, but it was probably a transit visa I got. Be aware that the pipeline road / TAP (Trans Arabia Pipeline) is a very long, straight and boring road. Two of us drove, almost none stop (in a car taking turns to sleep and drive) and I think it still took two or three days. Would potentially be a long and boring ride on a bike (although Jordan is a nice place to visit).

Chris
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  #8  
Old 26 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephano View Post
A transit visa is all one would need to pass through Saudi along the pipeline road, Macosie, but unfortunately the authorities in Dubai don't, as a rule, issue them to bikers. :confused1:
Stephan
I fid that policy as reiculous as I do Korea's for not allowing motorcycles on expressways. Don't understand it... I"m loking into doing the trip now with my car and the bike on a trailer... not exactly how I planned, would allow me to go off on the bike and suck when I wanted... but not the same feel. (It's would also allow me to drag my shit along as for me it's a bit of a move.) Too bad Iran is no longer an option.
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