Is Saudi Arabia safe for female tourists? What are the rules for foreign women there? If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman or as a solo female, then this is a must read!
With so many mixed messages about what women can and can’t do in Saudi Arabia, it can be difficult to even begin planning a trip here. Especially if you are visiting Saudi Arabia as a solo female.
I have been traveling the Gulf for over ten years now, and I have experience traveling in Saudi Arabia both as a solo female as well as with a man. So, I’m here to set the record straight.
From safety considerations to transportation to wardrobe and more — you’re about to learn everything you need to know before traveling to Saudi Arabia as a female.
Pro Tip: Join my FREE solo travel e-course if you need some help with planning, budgeting, and following through on your trip. You’ve come to the right place!
1. Do women need a male guardian to travel around Saudi Arabia?
This common misconception about travel in this region. The “need” for a guardian is more of a cultural expectation rather than an actual law.
So rest assured, women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone!
It is worth mentioning that solo female travel in Saudi Arabia is still kind of an unusual concept, so you may be regarded with curiosity.
I entered the country and went through immigration solo, and traveled around independently without a guardian, and had zero issues whatsoever, aside from curious glances and should of “welcome.”
2. Do you need to wear a burqa when traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman?
One of the main questions I repeatedly got after my first trip here was do female tourists have to cover up in Saudi Arabia?
In short? No.
A burqa is not required anywhere in Saudi Arabia for female travelers. However, there were certain areas that I do recommend wearing a headscarf and/or an abaya, though not everywhere.
AlUla is becoming a hot tourist destination, so here, you will not feel the need for a headscarf. This is also true in larger cities, as well.
In these areas, dressing conservatively will suffice. So what is “conservatively”?
- long kimonos
- long skirts or maxi dresses with coverage
- scarves for mosques or conservative areas
- flowy palazzo pants to keep you cool
- t shirts that don’t show cleavage
- an abaya is a great idea if you will be in more conservative areas, too
However, in more conservative areas or where Muslims gather for religious reasons, I do highly recommend a headscarf or even an abaya out of respect.
Pro Tip: Check out this detailed article on exactly what women should wear in Saudi Arabia as tourists.
For example, in Medina, I wore a long skirt, long sleeves (even in summer), and a head scarf at all times (except for the airport.) That is because Medina, like Mecca, is an extremely important Holy site and it is important to show respect here.
You also may see local women wearing the full niqab and long black abaya. While very beautiful, it is not required for tourists.
And, anytime you are in the desert or traveling to remote areas for hiking or camping, headscarves and abayas are not needed.
3. Can women drive in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, women can legally drive anywhere in Saudi Arabia!
I can understand the confusion over this, as it has only become legal as recently as 2018. But, I personally rented a car in Saudi Arabia – yes, under a female name – and road ripped around the western half of the country in said vehicle.
All you need to drive in Saudi Arabia is a valid driving license in English or Arabic characters. If not in English or Arabic, then an international driving license (IDL) is highly recommended.
4. But is it safe to visit Saudi Arabia as a solo female?
In the Western world, it’s fairly common to hear about how unsafe the Middle East is as a whole, or how women are disrespected here.
And there are some places that you could make a good argument for these points. But, Saudi Arabia is happily not one of them. Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, so it is generally a safe place for tourists in general.
In Saudi Arabia – much like my solo travels in Kuwait or when I was traveling alone as a woman in Qatar or in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – I never felt anything other than respect from the locals.
I find that in the Gulf region in particular, the locals are mild-mannered and respectful and are always willing to help if you find yourself in a jam.
I mentioned that I’ve traveled in Saudi both solo and with a male. How did things change? They didn’t. I found myself treated the same way in both situations.
As in any destination, always be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut. But, there is minimal risk of crime in Saudi Arabia, and the country has good medical facilities and infrastructure to rely on.
Pro Tip: check out my top safety essentials for travelers so you can feel secure and prepared for your trip.
5. Can unmarried couples share a room in Saudi Arabia?
In some areas of the Middle East, it is illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same hotel room or travel around together. In Saudi, that is not the case.
Tourists traveling together as unmarried couples are allowed to stay in the same hotel room. And, there will be no problem for couples walking the cities or going to restaurants together, either.
However, keep in mind that you are in a Muslim country and public displays of affection will not be appreciated. No holding hands or quick kisses while out and about.
While local women in Saudi Arabia might avoid interacting with men they’re not related to, as a foreign tourist you are welcome to interact with anyone you encounter, regardless of their gender. So don’t be nervous to speak with staff, drivers, workers, and locals who are men. Though, of course, keep it respectful.
6. Will I be targeted or scammed if I’m traveling as a single female in Saudi Arabia?
In my experience, no. Of course there are bad eggs everywhere, so trust your gut (and grab a few of my recommended travel safety essentials, too!)
But when I was solo, both males and females were super kind and helpful. I had a man step up and help with the visa on arrival procedures (which are easy, by the way) and I was smiled at and greeted with “welcome” again and again.
I got food solo and was checked into my hotel solo and the staff didn’t blink an eye.
All this to say, traveling to Saudi Arabia solo felt a lot like traveling around other parts of the world solo.
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Despite what you may hear in Western media, Saudi Arabia is an up-and-coming tourist destination in the Gulf currently welcoming visitors across its borders.
Under the rule of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), massive changes have taken place that make it easier than ever to visit as a tourist.
Female tourists will find that there are no “real” differences between the rules for women in Saudi Arabia and rules for men as visitors. Simply use common-sense and remain respectful of local customs.
And if you do, I have no doubt that you will find magic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, just like I did.
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