TGFKASE

I am due to fly to Bahrain and then cross over into Khobar and spend a few weeks with some Aramco engineers..

I have heard rumours about laptops being seized and returned only after they have been gone through with a fine-tooth comb but, as I remember, the causeway really doesn't have the facilities to do this, unlike the airports..

Anyone crossed into the Magic Kingdom recently and seen first hand whether this rumour is true???

MacScot

Don't know about recently but 5 years back, I passed in and out of the KSA and Bahrain with my PC regularly. At the causeway island mid-point, customs occasionally checked vehicles (mostly for illegal booze) and one time they did check my briefcase and saw my computer...but did not ask to examine it.

Given that many transit people are carrying PCs...I doubt they could possibly check all or hold peoples' PCs. Make sure you haven't inadvertently left any naughty pics (jpegs, gif movie files). If they held over one's PC how could business be done?

Notwithstanding, perhaps wait until someone else with recent transiting experience comments.

Roadking

I had a warning from our travel rep advising that, at the airport, electronic data storage items may be checked including laptops, external drives and memory sticks. Not been across the causeway in years so can't help on that score, but there does seem to be increased attention to this.

Get the Aramco boys to come to you...

TGFKASE

Believe me, if I could I would...

MacScot, used to travel over the causeway regularly 2001-2006, but, as RK says, there does appear to be more attention being paid...

I did have my CD case taken and searched on one of the few occasions that I flew into Dammam, but am unsure if they have opened another officebeside the immigration office on the 'island'...

Euc-

http://www.truecrypt.org/

Nic1

last time we crossed the causeway we were asked if we had drugs, alcohol or guns - no interest in the laptops at all, or the very large cool box of pork. Not heard of, or met, anyone who has had their laptop siezed or checked.

N

norsk

I've passed across with laptop and luggage a few times in the past month.

Only encountered normal search, ie you're asked to pull over into the search-bay, open your boot and give them your paperwork. They stamp the paper and if you're unlucky they will look for 1 second into your boot. Then off you go..

To be honest, considering the number of commuters across the causeway there is no way they will start searching individual laptops/phones/hard drives. There would be an international incident after 1 day of this kind of delay being imposed..

But - I wouldn't tempt fate and bring stuff across the border that you know is frowned upon. You've got internet don't you. Just download the damn thing once you're there...

Jammy_Dodgers

Lived in Saudi on and off for a few years and have been throught the airports at least 30+ times.

Only once got my laptop examined at Riyadh, and that was 2003-2004 when it was all kicking off over there.
(Jeddah and the Eastern Province are less stringent)

Since then I have never had any bother.
I have been told they only tend to do it if to people who are on a first time visa and first time entry, but again, only in Riyadh. I doubt you'll have any bother.

As stated by another poster, they are more interested in other contraband.



So unless you cross the border pissed, on a donkey, dressed as Jesus and carrying a crucifix draped with bacon...........i think you'll be ok

norsk

to be honest i don't think being pissed would be a problem, and neither would the dressing up as jesus or bringing a donkey.

the crucifix might get you some extra questions asked though...

as for bringing pork, seriously, I don't think they care that much...

eylesda

I am fortunate enough to make the journey every day and have never had my laptop checked.

I have never heard of anyone else getting checked either though there are rumours, but just that, that the airport customs check only to make sure the computer has original software.

Lets face it, what else could they be looking for when your entire laptop content can be downloaded via intenet?

If in doubt though leave your porn at home