Key Takeaways: A 28-year-old Saudi national, Malik Al-Sultan, completed a 5,600-mile road trip from Saudi Arabia to Norway using a Schengen visa. His three-week journey through 19 countries, including an unplanned UK detour, cost approximately $12,300 and culminated in witnessing the northern lights in Bodø.
A remarkable journey from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the Arctic Circle of Norway has put a spotlight on the practical power of the Schengen visa for ambitious overland travel. Malik Al-Sultan, a 28-year-old freelance digital creator, turned a lifelong dream into reality by driving his Toyota Land Cruiser more than 5,600 miles to see the aurora borealis.
His adventure underscores how a single visa can unlock seamless travel across much of Europe, a key consideration for non-EU citizens planning extensive trips.
Planning the Epic Transcontinental Drive
Al-Sultan spent over a year meticulously planning his route, saving money, and preparing his vehicle. A crucial part of his five-week final preparation was securing the necessary travel documents.
For Saudi citizens, this meant obtaining a Schengen visa, which allowed him to traverse multiple European nations without applying for separate entry permits at each border. His planned route took him through:
- Kuwait and Turkey
- Several Balkan nations like Serbia
- Core Schengen countries including Italy, Germany, and Sweden
- His final destination: Bodø, Norway
Choosing the road over air travel was intentional. "Rather than flying, he chose to make the trip by road so he could experience other countries along the way," the report noted. This decision transformed a simple destination trip into a profound cultural journey.
Navigating Europe with a Schengen Visa
The Schengen Area's border-free travel was instrumental in Al-Sultan's trip. Once he entered the zone, he could drive through member states without undergoing passport checks at internal frontiers. This freedom is a cornerstone of the Schengen agreement and a major boon for road trippers.
His journey also included a fascinating detour that highlights the UK's post-Brexit travel status. "At first, the United Kingdom was not part of the plan," Al-Sultan said. His spontaneous visit to London required separate entry formalities, as the UK is no longer part of the Schengen Area or the EU's freedom of movement framework.
This unplanned side trip illustrates the current travel reality: while the Schengen visa covers 27 European countries, travelers must still check individual requirements for nations like the UK, Ireland, and others outside the agreement.
The Cost and Reward of a Dream Trip
The financial and logistical investment was significant. Al-Sultan's total costs reached approximately $12,300, covering:
- Fuel for the massive distance
- Food and accommodations
- Vehicle preparation and maintenance
After three weeks and 19 countries, he arrived in Bodø, Norway. The payoff was the celestial spectacle he had driven thousands of miles to see. "It made the whole journey worth the trouble," he stated. "I was so amazed [at] watching the lights."
For Al-Sultan, the journey itself became as meaningful as the destination. "I will always remember both together, because one could not exist without the other for me," he reflected.
What This Means for Travelers
This extraordinary road trip serves as a powerful case study for non-EU travelers contemplating similar adventures. It demonstrates:
- The extensive reach of a Schengen visa: One visa application can facilitate travel across most of continental Europe.
- The viability of long-distance road trips: With proper planning and documentation, driving from the Middle East to the Arctic is achievable.
- The value of flexibility: Al-Sultan's ability to detour to the UK shows how modern travel can blend planned itineraries with spontaneous exploration, albeit with different visa rules.
"It was quite a long journey, traveling through so many different cultures and lands."
Al-Sultan plans to drive back to Saudi Arabia, potentially on a different route, proving that for determined travelers with the right paperwork, continents are connected by more than just flights—they're linked by open roads and a spirit of adventure.