Doing Business In Saudi Arabia - Bna

The letter should name the visa applicant, passport number, company name and
address, approximate dates of visit, and reason for visit (e.g. business meetings). It is
recommended that the U.S. applicant's company use the company's letterhead when
requesting the Saudi Embassy's/Consulates' cooperation in issuing the visa. The visa
applicant must apply for and receive the visa prior to departing the United States at
either the Saudi Embassy in Washington or at Saudi Consulates in Houston, Los
Angeles, or New York City. Once the visa is stamped on the passport, it is usually
valid for one month, and must be used or officially canceled before a subsequent visa
will be issued. The visa may be extended at the discretion of the Saudi Embassy or
Consulate prior to the expiration date.
If the U.S. applicant does not have a Saudi sponsor, the U.S. Commercial Service
offices in Saudi Arabia also can advise on how to make initial contacts with potential
sponsors. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General cannot sponsor private
American citizens for Saudi visas.
Occasionally, the Saudi consular officer may require the applicant to obtain the visa
through a more time-consuming process involving approval by the Saudi Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Women traveling alone, Americans of Arab origin, and private
consultants are often required to use this process. Resident visas also are available
through a separate process.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia generally obtain a meningitis vaccination prior to arrival,
especially during the annual pilgrimage rituals. A medical report, including an AIDS
test, is required to obtain a work and residence permit. This includes a medical
certification. For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, or one of the Consulates in New
York, Houston, or Los Angeles.
There is an airport departure fee of Sr. 50 ($13.30) per traveler. Members of airline
crews, infants (under the age of 2), and passengers in transit less than 24 hours are
exempt from paying this fee. The fee is payable to the travel agent through which the
ticket is booked.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States
should allow sufficient time for visa issuance if required. Visa applicants should go to
the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
United States Visas: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
American Embassy in Riyadh: U.S. Embassy
Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C.: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Telecommunications Return to top
Telecommunication services in Saudi Arabia remain one of the most active sectors in
Saudi Arabia. Since its privatization in 1998, Saudi Telecommunications Company
(STC) has been carrying out major telecommunications projects kingdom-wide,
5/13/2008