Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
transit/tourist visa for Saudi Arabia...where to start? transit/tourist visa for Saudi Arabia...where to start?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 21 Oct 2014
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by bensimpson3 View Post
Hi all,

The beginning of this month I traveled from Qatar to UAE on motorcycle, transiting via KSA. No problem for me obtaining a transit visa and the check-points at each border crossing were quick and efficient.
Loooong time ago (1979 when i lived in Umm Said / Mesaieed) I went from Qatar to UAE in a car and on the visa it was stated (in Arabic) that the visa was only valid for going to UAE and it was only valid for a very short time (a few hours?). Is this still the case?

Edit:
I just found this old map and it reminds me of two factors:
-The border between UAE and Saudi is still disputed
-The distance you cover in Saudi is very short (25km?)

My guess is that it's easier to get the visa if you go from Qatar to UAE because it's a short distance and there is nowhere else to go on the route.

Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 22 Oct 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveSmith View Post
Nice job, Ben!

Would you share some details?

Where did you get the transit visa? How much did it cost? What country is your bike registered? Do you have a Gulf Coast ID card? Are you Muslim?

If you're around the Middle East, I'm in Oman for the next year or two. No bike here yet, but I have an open bed, plenty of parking, and a liquor license.
I obtained the transit visa in Qatar, a local agency (+974 44929224 / info@durramakkah.com), it took roughly a week and the cost was 150 Qatar Riyals. My bike is registered in Qatar, I have a residency here and non-muslim. The visa was valid for 3 days and roundtrip option. I have had friends who have transited to Jordan, so the final destination would not be an issue.

I had a friend, non-resident who was going to join me (two-up) and it was no problem for him to do obtain a transit visa as well (but only one way for non-gulf residents).

Here is a good link for further information on the transit: http://www.qnhg.org/files/wpro_share...0by%20road.pdf

FYI, I did the transit in the night, some sections of the road weren't that well lit, but otherwise all was good! Now in Greece
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 28 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
Thanks a lot of the name and email address. I'm contacting this agency. Hope they still exist, and hope transit is still possible (by car). What kind of reason did you give for driving through Saudi instead of flying?
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 11 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Brazil
Posts: 4
Any answer from the agency?
Hi yirara!

Let us know if everything works for you...

we are planning to go overland from europe to sout africa. Your information can really help us.

cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 11 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
Nothing new as of yet. Also no answer from the agency above. I guess I need to call them. But I have other things on my mind at the moment.

But anyway, I'm working on friends to convince them to do a car trip to Bahrain or UAE in autumn as they did those trips in the past and have taken passengers along. Thus it seems to be possible after all.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 14 Apr 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
I'm currently in Sudan, trying to find a good way back home to Europe. As I'm riding a motorbike, it won't be possible to get a transit visa.
On my way through Africa I've seen a number of overland trucks with small scooters/bikes strapped to the back or inside the truck. Could this be an option? Find a fellow overlander who's taking the ferry to Jiddah, team up and share all costs?

It really comes down to this question: Is it forbidden to ride bikes in KSA or is it firbidden to (temporarily) import them?

Thanks a lot! If you have any information or if you're on your way up, please feel free to contact me!
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 14 Apr 2015
schenkel's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colchester, UK & Sudan
Posts: 161
Quote:
Originally Posted by thammasat View Post
It really comes down to this question: Is it forbidden to ride bikes in KSA or is it firbidden to (temporarily) import them?
I was in Sudan June 2014 on a bike and was trying to get back to the UK overland. I wanted to go through Saudi Arabia, but was told NO BIKES allowed and there was a big visible sign on the board outside the Saudi embassy in Khartoum saying no bikes allowed in their country. You can take your bike to Saudi Arabia but you will not be able to ride it there, you will have to load it on a lorry at point of entry and have it back at the point of exit.

I ended up air shipping the bike.....I had a good price.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 15 Apr 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
That would be good news actually. Whether I put it on a lorry or a Landrover/Overlander Truck shouldn't make a difference. On Sunday I'll see the consul...

If you're headed north and you're thinking about crossing from Port Sudan to Jiddah, please contact me. Either here or on facebook (www.facebook.com/stevenslittleride) or via email (hofmann1steven@gmail.com). Even if you've only heard of people going that way, it might help me a lot.

Thanks!!
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 16 Apr 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
Quote:
Originally Posted by schenkel View Post
I ended up air shipping the bike.....I had a good price.
Would you mind sharing the price including all port fees/taxes? Which company did you use and what bike were you riding? Thanks a lot!
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 16 Apr 2015
schenkel's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colchester, UK & Sudan
Posts: 161
Have a look at this: (and remember these prices were for big bikes as I understand that you are on a small one)
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-saudi-71189-5
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top