Comments on: Getting to Saudi Arabia

By: Trackback from Location180

Trackback from Location180 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:19:16 +0000

[...] a personal review myself. While I haven’t written a book, inspired thousands of people, or almost been kicked out of Saudi Arabia, I have been thinking a lot lately about how much has changed in 2009 and reflecting upon where I [...]

By: Chase

Chase — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:42:49 +0000

As I often say, “The Journey is the Destination.”

…and sometimes the journey just gets a little bit whacky.

Glad your “Plan #1″ panned out!

By: Brooke Thomas

Brooke Thomas — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:46:29 +0000

yowza. glad you’re on to greener pastures- though the apple juice happy hour did give me a chuckle!

By: Jasper

Jasper — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:19:09 +0000

Hi Chris,

Nice site. I’m not surprised at what happened to you but believe me, even us with a visa has had a hard time coming in.

First time i got here (with visa and all), they made me lose my connecting flight to Jeddah. Why? Because they need to check my portable harddisk for porn!

Yeah, it was stupid. I told them that I am working in Jeddah for over 2 years so I do know not to bring anything illegal but instead they detained me for over 5 hours making me miss my connecting flight.

To top it off, my Saudi sponsor didn’t bother booking me a hotel or have someone meet me in the airport. Tried calling their mobile but got no answer.

I could go on and on…

As for women, they have rights… it’s just something no one discuss. Trust me, you think they don’t have certain rights but actually they are the closest thing to being untouchables. As I said, long story.

Drop me a note when you happen to pass by Jeddah. ^_^

By: Ken

Ken — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:23:34 +0000

Chris, congrats on negotiating this situation successfully. It sounds like a crazy experience.

I assume that you know this but wanted to post it just in case you do not: AVOID DEPORTATION FROM ANY COUNTRY IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.

Being deported from ANY country can make you inadmissable to many other countries. At the very least, it can require that you go through a special visa approval process even for countries for which you would normally not need a visa as a US citizen.

“Have you ever been deported from any country?” is a standard question on most visa applications. Answering YES is not going to make the visa process easier!

By: Henry Crescini

Henry Crescini — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 11:44:43 +0000

Wow Chris, this was hell of a story, very well written and kept me interested. I’m glad you could be finally spend your transit time at the hotel and mall rather than at the transit area in the airport.

By: Cara Lopez Lee

Cara Lopez Lee — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:31:24 +0000

I’ve done the around-the-world ticket thing myself, and have explored Asia, Africa, Latin America & Europe. But I’ve never had that big a run-in with travel officials. Thanks for reminding us how important it is to plan ahead, keep your cool when things don’t go as-planned, and never assume it can’t be done just because someone says “it can’t be done.”

I appreciate the info for women travelers. I wouldn’t go to the Middle East without my husband, because of the potential for harassment. But it’s good to know the rules.

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:52:45 +0000

Actually, foreign women are permitted in Saudi Arabia, on their own (i.e., without a sponsor) if they actually have something legitimate to do. Female journalists, for example, have no problem getting visas. Women on the rare tourist visa are also permitted entry. Tourist visas, though, are usually only granted for groups, not individuals.

Saudi bureaucracy is not fun to deal with, though. When you combine ambiguously written regulations with less-than-superbly educated bureaucrats–more than a few of whom are happy to exceed their authority if they think the regulations are wanting–makes for headaches, no doubts about it.

By: Colin Wright

Colin Wright — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:54:53 +0000

Maybe someday they will change their tune about women visitors from other countries. Until then, however, they will not have access to all intellectual and interpersonal benefits that we gain from having (at least legally) equal rights for both sexes.

This story definitely makes me want to ‘crash land’ in new countries, rather than planning my trips so extensively. I might have to try my hand and such negotiations after I’ve got a few more locations under my belt

By: Haider

Haider — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:47:52 +0000

Hi Chris!

I didn’t know your trip to Saudi was so eventful (in a bad way!)

I’m glad you’re safe and sound now, and that you were able to share this story with us.

I hope next time there won’t be a next time! Haha!

Haider