Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transit visas used to be issued for independent car travel across Saudi Arabia but these
were suspended following the murder of four French travellers in 2007.
Business Visas
Business visas are arranged via an employer and a sponsoring Saudi partner for a specific
business purpose.
The Saudi sponsor (either an individual or company) then applies to the Saudi Chamber
of Commerce and Industry for approval. If approval is granted, an invitation letter will be
sent to you, or directly to the Saudi embassy in your home country.
Note that you must make your visa application in your country of nationality or per-
manent residency.
Depending on the Saudi embassy where you are applying for a visa (always phone
ahead to double-check requirements), typically you will require a letter from your em-
ployer or company outlining the nature of your business in Saudi Arabia and a letter of
support from your local chamber of commerce.
Armed with this paperwork and confirmation from your Saudi sponsor, your business
visa is usually granted without difficulty by the embassy and often on the same day if you
visit in person. An application by post usually takes a week to 10 days to be returned.
Note that in theory a single businesswoman is not allowed to check into a hotel without
the presence of her Saudi sponsor or a male representative of her Saudi sponsor. In the lar-
ger cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah this rule is not usually applied, but in smaller towns
and more conservative regions of the Kingdom this rule may be upheld by hotel check-in
staff. Be prepared.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Saudi Arabia is rightly considered one of the most difficult countries in the world for
Western women to travel. The strict segregation of the sexes and the prohibition on female
drivers leads to obvious limitations on freedom of movement. However, women are also
accorded (officially) great respect and are typically urged to the front of queues, served
first at banks, check-in desks and ticket offices.
Saudi men's attitudes towards women do vary from the big cities to the smaller rural
towns and many urban educated Saudi men will make a point of shaking hands with
Western women, especially in social or business settings. Take your cue from those
around you and remember that in traditional Saudi eyes it never hurts (them at least) for
you to be too covered up.
Restrictions
