Is it possible for a US citizen to get a Saudi Arabian transit visa?
Jan 17, 2018, 10:49 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 556
I found KSA only offers very high end food (for the govt/business types) or low cost fast food. They love fast food, specifically chicken in KSA! Not much in the middle...
I'm a fast food type of guy myself, so I have no problem with that. My idea of fine dining is to order the Double Quarter Pounder.I am going to be staying with a friend, so I'll have full accommodations by a local.
Feb 20, 2018, 9:56 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 556
Update: I had a wonderful time in KSA. I stayed with an expat who has lived there for many years, so I didn't have to worry about things like going in the wrong doors at the restaurants! And I did have some Al Baik food. Fantastic! I very much enjoyed my time in KSA.
People were very friendly, including a couple guys in immigration when I entered the country. They told me they were glad I was visiting their country, and welcomed me to Saudi Arabia.
Flying on Saudia was pretty good. The service was average, but quite OK. Both flights were right on time.
I am already looking forward to my next visit.
People were very friendly, including a couple guys in immigration when I entered the country. They told me they were glad I was visiting their country, and welcomed me to Saudi Arabia.
Flying on Saudia was pretty good. The service was average, but quite OK. Both flights were right on time.
I am already looking forward to my next visit.
Apr 2, 2018, 1:25 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
Update: I tried to get a transit visa but it was denied. I bought a ticket on Saudia Airlines with a 3 day layover in Jeddah. I actually called the Saudi Arabian consulate in New York City and asked about it. I was told that I could get a transit visa, and the rep told me what to send in. I did that, but my passport was returned with no visa. I called the consulate, and was told they don't issue transit visas. Whatever!
Anyway, I was able to get a business visa. It was expensive and quite a lot of hassle, but I have it. Now I'm free to come and go in the KSA for the next 5 years.
Anyway, I was able to get a business visa. It was expensive and quite a lot of hassle, but I have it. Now I'm free to come and go in the KSA for the next 5 years.
How did you get the business visa?
Apr 2, 2018, 1:25 pm
#19
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
Apr 3, 2018, 6:44 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 556
I got it through a visa agency who took care of everything for me. Basically, I just filled out the Saudi visa application, and they took care of everything else. It wasn't cheap, but it was quite convenient. Actual immigration and customs at the Jeddah airport was very simple. Other than being fingerprinted and having a snapshot taken because it was my first time entering Saudi Arabia, it wasn't unlike entering Western Europe as an American.
As a male I didn't have to think about this, but from what I've read in other places, women can get business visas and go to KSA even without a male guardian. Again, this is just anecdotal evidence. I have no solid proof.
As a male I didn't have to think about this, but from what I've read in other places, women can get business visas and go to KSA even without a male guardian. Again, this is just anecdotal evidence. I have no solid proof.