Wow, does this thread bring back some memories for me...

Some years ago, I had the romantic notion of traveling from Cairo to San'a, Yemen over land via Saudi. The flight was over $600 r/t, while the bus was something like $50. Plus, I'd get to see Saudi, right? And I had plenty of time.

I took a look at UA Fan's Saudi link... They're not very clear, but the operative statement is this: "Transit visas do not grant the right to residence, visitation or employment." As I understand it, this means you literally cannot leave the airport, but are allowed to use certain other lounge and/or lodging facilities designed for transit passengers. Thrilling, no? Moreover, at least when I was applying for a TV, you had to prove that your itinerary forced an extended stay/overnight in the KSA. Buying a strange itinerary wouldn't cut it -- the Saudis would simply say that other routings were available that would obviate the need to transit the Kingdom. Not only that, but you couldn't even apply for the TV until you had a purchased ticket in hand.

When I tried to do this in Cairo, there was a flourishing industry of travel agents who would issue "authentic" travel documents for a 10% fee. If the KSA consulate didn't give you a TV, then you were only out 10% of the cost. If you got one, then you went back to the travel agency, which then issued the real tickets and charge you 100% of the cost.