Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Saudi Ara-
bia
The border crossing is at Al-Khafji and is
usually only used by those on public transport
to Saudi: no
to Kuwait: yes
Kuwait
Saudi Ara-
bia
The border crossing is at Salwah and is usu-
ally only used by those on public transport
to Saudi: no
to Qatar: yes
Qatar
Saudi Ara-
bia
to Saudi: no
to UAE: yes
UAE
The border crossing is at Sila
Saudi Ara-
bia
This border crossing remains closed due to
insurgency in the area
Yemen
A Saudi transit visa must be obtained before
travelling overland between any of these
countries.
Saudi Transit Visa Details:
• Application forms can be downloaded from
• Travellers must have a ticket with con-
firmed reservations and/or a visa for the
country of final destination.
• Transit times cannot exceed 72 hours.
• Women can only apply for a transit visa if
accompanied by a male relative: proof of kin-
ship is required (ie marriage certificate etc).
• Children need a copy of birth certificate.
• If travelling by your own vehicle you are re-
quired to register your carnet at the embassy.
to Saudi: no
to others: no (you need to show your
visa for your final destination at the
Saudi border to transit through the
country)
Bahrain
Qatar
Kuwait
UAE
Bahrain
Qatar
Kuwait
UAE
Bus
Car ownership levels are so high across the Peninsula that little demand for public bus services exists. Where they do
exist, they are often primarily intended for expat workers getting to and from their place of work. It's not too difficult to
get between the main towns in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen by bus, but Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE have
fewer (if any) domestic services that meet the needs of tourists.
Of the major regional routes, there are four principal ones currently open to foreigners:
»
Saudi Arabia to Bahrain
»
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to Kuwait
»
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to the UAE via Qatar
»
UAE to Oman
Bus travel is usually comfortable, cheap and on schedule, roads are good, and air-conditioned buses are the norm, except
in Yemen. Yemen's services vary according to the company; for example, Yemitco is fast, reliable and comfortable.
Loud music or videos as well as heavy smoking can be unpleasant for many on some services.
In many countries women accompanied by men can sit anywhere, but women travelling alone are expected to sit in
the front seats.
