Saudi Arabia

[koster]

I am curious about Saudi Arabia and have read that it is now possible to visit as a tourist, provided that you are on an organised tour operated by a recognised tour operator.

However, despite finding plenty of links, I haven't found any useful information about how I would actually go about booking a tour.

Does anybody know anything about this?

[KARL]

I did see something to this effect in a TV travel programme but regret I don't know who does tours. One possible way of finding out is if you were to contact the Saudi embassy. Another might be to contact one of the more expensive/"select" tour operators that arrange tours to Jordan, Oman and even Dubai. Finally, you could try Trailfinders, if only for advice.

[Cugetit]

Good evening koster. May not be much help but I did spend several years in Saudi Arabia and I have no reason to believe that the restrictions on travel have been relaxed in the interim period. My belief is that it would be virtually impossible to obtain a visa to visit SA as a tourist. Of course, if you are a Muslim and wish to perform Hajj, it would be a different matter but otherwise I am fairly certain it would be a no no unless those on the tour are high ranking government officials. I am fairly sure that if you rang Saudi Arabian Airlines at Heathrow they would confirm that they do not carry tourists to SA, only expats employed out there or their families or Saudi Nationals.

[koster]

Hello,

"Until recently, the rich history and culture of this extraordinary country has been shrouded beneath a veil of mystery in an effort to open up and showcase its unique heritage, the Saudi Government has granted the national airline more tourist visas per country. Families and individuals are most welcome to contact the local tour operator by clicking on the link below who'll deal with the paperwork and organize the trip."

This is from the Saudi Arabian Airlines website (http://www.saudiairlines.com/tours/discoversau diarabia.jsp). Clicking on the link doesn't offer much help, though.

[Cugetit]

Why am I not surprised? Many years ago it was made public that they were opening up to visitors but it it was all a hubble bubble pipe dream. It's a pity because I believe they would do very well from tourism .... maybe when the oil runs out!!!

[koster]

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&arti cle=68510&d=16&m=8&y=2005

[Cugetit]

That was an interesting article but I will still believe it when I see it. Wish you luck but I am fairly positive that unless you have valid reasons for visiting the Kingdom, i.e. business, governmental visits, religious, work, etc. you wont get to float around Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, etc. enjoying the sights.

[koster]

I got a reply from one tour operator. He said that for a tourist visa there have to be a minimum of 4 people. He said he had a group of 4 Americans coming in March and that I could join that group.

I have asked him for a price...

[vehelpfulguy]

Their was a debate on AB a few weeks ago about Saudi Arabia that you might find interesting.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question 507871.html

I put a number of appends about the country, and unless it has changed dramatically in the last 5 years, it is not one that I would like to visit as a tourist.

In fact I am not sure they understand the concept of a tourist !

[JK2]

There is a tour here for Nov 08 @ �4,000

http://www.the-traveller.co.uk/tourdetails.asp x?tourid=204

[koster]

Thank you JK2!