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Anyone got experience using a Saudi business visa?

Mainly wondering how to fulfill the exit & return bit every 3 months when based in Jeddah. Spend money on a quick return flight over the border somewhere? Or is there a cheaper alternative?

wilkobury

I'm currently on a business visa, I've only been here a couple of weeks each time before flying back to UK, but think as long as you leave the country, you'll be fine. Many people here in Riyadh go over to Bahrain for weekends anyway.

Johnnyboy11

I don't think there is a Business Visa any more. The choice is either a Visit Visa (which has "Not Allowed to Work" written on it) or a Work Visa (which will be for a specific company as stated in Arabic on the Visa). You need the Work Visa before getting the Iqama. Be aware that you can use your UK driving licence for a maximum of 90 days on a Visit Visa, after that you need a KSA licence (which requires a medical exam, driving test and the Iqama). My experience anyway.

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I thought an Iqama is only possible on a ‘proper’ contract eg one year or more.
Regarding where to go for weekend breaks from Jeddah in the region, Bahrain/Emirates to the east. Anything else?

Johnnyboy11

There's Amman (Jordan) which is a 2-hour flight from Jeddah. Or Istabul, which is a 4 hour flight from Jeddah, so probably better for a long weekend.

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Sounds great! Thanks.

nonthaburi

Not strictly true. I've been employed on rolling six month contracts for periods of time with an iqama, albeit as part of a longer period of employment with the same company.

The main requirement for the iqama is having the correct visa, not about the contract.

Cairo not bad for a weekend from Jeddah.