Assistance with Multiple Entry Business Visa

[oilydan]

You picked a great time of year to come.

42°C, windy and dusty.

Just make sure you miss Ramadan (18 June) as not much happens at all.

Where are you headed? Dhahran or Riyadh?

[djones123]

Buffalo said:

Thanks for all the replies. For an update, I submitted my application via the enjazit webpage and sent off my passport by post last Tuesday (I had to wait for some other international travel to pass before i could send the passport off) and got a phonecall that I missed last Thursday. Didn't even think anything of it until this Tuesday when I realised that it was the embassy (it was suspiciously like a cold-caller that I had a few days earlier so I avoided it and they didn't leave a message). So I spent the next two days trying to call them - no answer. At all.

On Friday I decided to just travel into London and speak to embassy direct. Apparently application denied because I had applied for a business visa (as requested in email by client company) but the letter of invitation stated commercial visit. I didn't notice the difference at the time unfortunately... Got passport back.

Today, just tried second attempt for online application and realise that a business visit visa actually describes the purpose of my visit far better than commercial visit. I could just submit anyway, but I don't particularly want to submit again and get another rejection if they question the nature of the "commerical" visit. I have written to the client company and asked that they change the invitation letter. Apparently the other person travelling from me (from a different department of the client company) also had to do this.

Once that is done, I will re-submit application and go to embassy again in person this time rather than use post service. I understand that 9am to 12pm is submission time for dropping passports off. 2-4pm is pick up time. Person I spoke to suggested 48 hours turnaround, but I shall try a plea for same day to save on another train journey.

So, so far, it has been a bit of an arse but I am not complaining about the embassy - more my fault for not fully checking client docs (and maybe them for not properly issuing them..?!). Should turn out ok though..! I am looking forward to going.

Edited by Buffalo on Saturday 16th May 19:14

I am in same situation, i have received the invitation letter from my office and thinking about applying in saudi embassy in few days.

Not sure if i apply directly and save few quids or apply through an agent.

Did you manage to get your visa?

[z4RRSchris]

do it yourself so easy.

[sdyson31]

z4RRSchris said:

do it yourself so easy.

is there any difference b/w commercial and business visa?

My invitation letter says 'commercial' but i can't find any form on saudi embassy for commercial visa.

Any advise pls.

[tuffer]

I always used a company called AbleCan, quick google should turn them up. Brilliant, quick and cheap, takes all the hassle out of it. Now I just don't go to the Region so it's even better :-)

[sdyson31]

I think this is the right one

http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/uk/EN/Diplomati...

[z4RRSchris]

sdyson31 said:

z4RRSchris said:

do it yourself so easy.

is there any difference b/w commercial and business visa?

My invitation letter says 'commercial' but i can't find any form on saudi embassy for commercial visa.

Any advise pls.

you need the "businessman" one

[sdyson31]

z4RRSchris said:

you need the "businessman" one

you mean this one http://www.gulfvisa.com/product_files/Business%20V...