Planning to visit Saudi Arabia on business from America? Then, you will be one of the many foreigners motivated by the projected market volume reaching US$41.35 million by 2029. This, in the end, is resulting in them setting up their business or investing in an existing one in the country. However, that isn’t the only reason why we believe planning to have business relations with the country is a great decision. Another big reason is that the USA ranked in the top 4 in Saudi Arabia’s exports. So, further giving you more reasons to carry on with this relationship.
That being said, visiting Saudi Arabia on business requires more than just an eVisa for Saudi Arabia. This is a proper process that demands proper preparation and also learning the important things. So, it is best that you understand these necessary things before proceeding with your business trip.
Pre-Trip Planning
A business visit to Saudi Arabia starts way before you even set foot in the country. It starts with you planning for the trip. This is more than just about choosing an appropriate time for your travel. Rather, there is much more than you will be required to manage. Some of these things include:
Travel Documentation
Any international trip isn't possible without carrying the right travel documents. Some of the documents that you will need for travelling to Saudi Arabia on business are:
Valid Passport
A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months' validity beyond your travel date is necessary for the trip. Other than that, the passport should also be in machine-readable condition, and all your information should be visible on it. You will need this to get your visa and also for booking flight tickets, hotel accommodation, and other things.
Business Visa
As the USA does not fall on the list of visa-exempt countries, you will have to get a visa or travel permit for your trip. However, you will be required to get a business visit to Saudi visa as that matches your travel purpose. In this context, we will be focusing on the business evisa, as that is way more convenient than the traditional one. The steps of applying for this visa are:
- Visit the online portal for visa application.
- Fill out the application form for a business visit to Saudi visa. Write all accurate details about yourself and the trip.
- Add scanned copies of the necessary documents to your application. This includes copies of your valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, travel details, inward and outward flight tickets, and bank statements. Other than this, you will also have to provide proof related to your visit, like an invitation letter to attend a meeting or conference, or any other relevant document.
- Pay for the visa using your debit or credit card.
- Wait for 3 to 5 days to get your visa processed.
- Receive the visa approval letter in the email ID that you have added in your application form.
- Bring a few printed copies of the letter with you to the airport for immigration.
- Contact the Helpdesk if you face any delay or rejection in your visa approval.
This visa for Saudi Arabia comes with a validity of 30 days. With this one, you get the ability to attend business meetings and conferences. Other than that, this can also be used by individuals who are visiting the country to set up their business.
Insurance
Getting yourself insured is extremely important as it helps in fighting against uncertainties. Along with this, you should also apply for travel insurance that helps you deal with uncertainties that might arise during your trip.
Itinerary & Accommodation
The last thing that you must do while planning for your trip is make arrangements regarding your stay. For this, you will be required to choose a business-friendly hotel in the country. Places like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran have multiple options for hotels, so you won’t have a hard time finding the right one. However, remember to pick something that is near the place where you are going for business. Last but not least, learn about the transportation options of the country. Familiarizing yourself with the ride-hailing apps, car rentals, and local drivers will help you get around the place with ease.
Cultural Awareness & Etiquette
You will be exposed to the country’s culture during your business visit to Saudi Arabia. This is why you must understand what the culture is really like so that you can get along with everyone in a better way.
Understanding Saudi’s Culture
Islam plays an important role in the country. This is why you must respect the religion when visiting the country. Other than that, you must dress modestly during your stay. All individuals are required to wear full-length, long-sleeved, and loose-fitted clothes. One should refrain from exposing their shoulders, elbows, and knees. Women should also carry a headscarf or shawl with them when visiting a religious place.
Business Etiquette
Showing mutual respect is a must for everyone. You should properly greet people and smile politely. One can also shake hands, but only the right hand can be used for it. Men should only shake hands with women if the woman has offered their hand first. Other than that, both men and women should follow a proper dress code and wear business formal attire. However, their clothing should not be revealing and should match the modesty standards of the country. Giving gifts like watches or perfumes is very common and highly encouraged. Most important of all, punctuality is highly valued in the country, so always arrive early before a meeting or conference. You can use the time left till your meeting to socialize with everyone.
Work Week & Timing
In Saudi Arabia, a business week lasts from Sunday to Thursday. All meetings, conferences, and other events are held during this time. However, no meeting or any other activity can be held during the prayer times. So, if you have similar plans, then you will have to make changes to your plan. Other than that, if you have applied for your evisa for Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, then you must also make a few changes in your plans. Most important of all, you should avoid eating food outside during the fasting hours of Ramadan. Otherwise, you will end up disrespecting the culture, religion, and people’s sentiments of the country.
Communication Tips
Running business operations in the country isn’t possible without communication. So, you must understand the best ways to communicate in the country.
Firstly, you will have to understand that Arabic is the native language of the country. Although English is widely spoken in business, learning some Arabic phrases will help. This will show that you are respectful towards the culture and value their way of life. Some of these terms and phrases that you must learn are:
- Hello is “Marhaba”
- Hi is “Ahlan”
- Welcome is “Ahlan wa sahlan”
- Good morning is “Sabah al-khayr”
- Good evening is “Masa' al-khayr”
- Good night is “Layla sa'eeda”
- Thank you is “Shukran”
- You're welcome is “Afwan”
- Please is “Min fadlak”
- Excuse me is “Al-a'faw”
- I'm sorry is “Aasif”
- Yes is “Na'am”
- No is “La”
- What is “Ma”
- Who is “Man”
- When is “Mata”
- Where is “Ayn”
- How is “Kayf”
- Why is “Limaaza”
- I is “Ana”
- You is “Anta” for male and “Anti” for female
- Name is “Ism”
- My name is stands for “Ismi”
Next, you should choose face-to-face meetings to build trust among people and always stay calm while communicating. Most important of all, you should keep your patience intact when making any decisions. Other than that, you must also maintain a formal tone when communicating through phone, email, or even carrying out business conversations on WhatsApp.
Important Considerations
Planning for a few things only makes your trip more successful. Some of these include:
Legal and Regulatory
Keep the Saudi Arabian business laws and their limits in mind before you make your business visit to Saudi visa. For instance, you should keep in mind that there are anti-bribery and corruption laws. Anyone failing to comply with these will have to face serious repercussions.
Technology & Connectivity
Get an international SIM card that will help you easily communicate with everyone. Other than that, the SIM card should also have internet access to make things even easier for you.
Currency and Payments
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the currency used in the country. So, make sure you get the currency exchanged after you get your eVisa for Saudi Arabia. The conversion rate is 1 SAR = 0.27 USD. Other than that, you can also use a credit card for your payments.
Ready to Get Your Business Visit to Saudi Visa From the USA?
Travelling to Saudi Arabia on business is a common thing among most. Its growing economy and developing industries motivate many business professionals to visit the country. The process may seem tough at first, but it gets easier when you have made yourself aware of all the necessary things regarding the visit. So, just remember to apply for your eVisa for Saudi Arabia in advance and prepare yourself for the trip. This way, you will face no issues during your visit.