Women Traveling to Saudi Arabia: A Practical Guide to Dress, Safety, and Cultural Etiquette
Saudi Arabia has quickly become a global favourite tourist spot. Tourism projects such as the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Qiddiya are responsible for this development. Also, in 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced tourist visas with a relaxed and simple application process. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is home to diverse locales, leading to a diverse tourism experience.
As Saudi Arabia opened its borders to international tourists, the country has also relaxed its rules for women. A woman can now travel to Saudi Arabia without being accompanied. This blog aims to empower women with respectful and practical travel advice for a solo journey to Saudi Arabia.
Can a Woman Travel to Saudi Alone?
Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman is completely validated, without needing special permission. Women tourists can freely travel across the country. They are also allowed to drive. However, in that case, a permit will be required, as road rules differ from one country to another.
And not only that, but Saudi Arabia has grabbed the first spot among G20 countries in the list of the safest countries. Nowadays, it is not an uncommon sight to see a woman walking alone in Riyadh late at night, without the need to be in a group.
Entry Requirements & Visa Tips
If you want to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist, as you probably already know, you have to apply for a Saudi tourist visa. The application process is generally the same all over, and it is no different for solo female travelers.
Also, it is usually considered that getting the eVisa is a better idea due to the relative simplicity of the application process. However, you can only apply for a Saudi eVisa if you belong to an eligible country.
The following countries are eligible for the Saudi eVisa:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- France
- Japan
- Portugal
- South Korea
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
What to Pack: Essentials for Female Travelers
While you apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. These could end up being extremely important as a solo female traveler to the country.
Clothes: Loose-fitting, non-revealing
Scarves and Shawls: Scarves can help when needed, sandstorms, summer heat, chilly winter breeze
Shoes: Comfort fit, walkable
Sun protection: Necessary for the summer heat
Personal care items: Everything might not be widely available, so carry the important items
All the above tips can not only be significant knowledge when traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman but can also be pieces of advice to ideally follow for any foreign tourist to the country.
More often than not, there are a few rules to follow when packing for an international trip. Always pack what you will need, carry whatever is comfortable, and the clothing you pack must be in line with the customs of the nation you are traveling to.
As long as you are following the tips mentioned in the chart above, you are not missing out on any of the key rules and will have a comfortable travel experience in Saudi Arabia.
What to Wear: Dress Code Guidelines
As mentioned in the section on what to pack for a Saudi trip, the clothing you should pack should follow the country’s culture. You should also adhere to the Saudi Arabia Public Decency Law, which states that everyone should wear modest attire in public.
The clothing rules are also not specific to women, but apply to everyone appearing in public in any Saudi city. So, to maintain the modest attire law, you should try to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Try to avoid any tight or revealing clothing, or wearing outfits with graphics that can be considered obscene or vulgar.
Also, the Abaya is a commonly worn garment by women in Saudi Arabia. While these are completely optional for tourists, you might want to try one out to get some of the local flavor in your clothing.
Mosques generally require visitors to cover their heads, and for women, head scarves are recommended. However, it’s not necessary outside of religious sites.
Swimwear Rules in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a great place to take a swim in. Situated around the Red Sea, this country has fascinating beaches. But when going for a swim in one of these beaches, there are strict swimwear regulations. Only modest swimwear is allowed on public beaches, such as burkinis or one-piece suits.
However, depending on the regulations in private pools in hotel compounds, the swimwear rules can often be more relaxed.
Shoe Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
When you apply for a Saudi tourist visa, as silly as it might sound, a key piece of information to keep in mind is what kind of shoes you should carry. Well, to start with, when planning a foreign trip, you should be prepared for walking a lot. Therefore, comfortable shoes are a must.
Other than that, there are no specific restrictions on shoe styles and colors in Saudi Arabia. Just remember to take your shoes off while entering religious places.
Cultural Etiquette & Social Norms
Saudis focus greatly on preserving their authentic cultural aspects. These are reflected in their etiquette and norms. Aspects such as courage, hospitality, and generosity are valued by the people there. It is not even an uncommon sight to see Saudis paying the bill for tourists as a welcoming gesture.
In some public places, gender segregation is important, being a part of the Saudi culture. However, for tourists, this rule is more relaxed. However, as a solo female traveler in Saudi Arabia, it is better to ask before entering a local establishment regarding the gender segregation rules.
Public conduct also adheres to strict rules and guidelines. Women in the country generally greet men by avoiding physical contact and acknowledging one another verbally. But light physical contact, such as a handshake or a kiss on the forehead or the palm, is allowed when greeting other women.
Avoid PDA and being loud in public; these are frowned upon in Arab society.
To greet locals respectfully, certain terms are important to note, such as “As-salamu Alaykum” (peace be upon you), “Marhaba” (hello), or “Ahlan wa Sahlan” (welcome).
When you apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, these etiquettes are relevant information that you would need to know.
Safety, Local Laws, and Emergency Info
The question of “Can a woman travel to Saudi alone?” is generally followed by another question. “Is Saudi Arabia safe for women?” The Answer is yes. It is, according to the 2023 Safety Index, the safest among the G20 nations. Also, according to the 2023 GATSAT report, nearly 93% of the Saudi population feels safe walking alone at night.
Saudi Arabia is fairly conservative, and societal norms have shaped laws, just like anywhere else in the world. And that would imply that solo female travelers would need to arm themselves with the knowledge regarding key laws, such as laws regarding certain factors.
The country has imposed a strict ban on alcohol, which, according to the Saudi government, is something that upholds Saudi cultural values. Also, photography without permission, especially of women, is strictly prohibited.
Emergency Contacts
While the country is generally safe for women, you would need to keep some emergency contact numbers handy in case of any accidents.
112: Emergency
911: Unified Emergency Assistance Number
999: Police
997: Ambulance
Moreover, for English-speaking services, you can go for the Amer platform. It provides digital communication channels. They can be reached via the emergency contact number (199099) or email ([email protected]). The British Council also offers English-speaking services to tourists.
Plan Your Solo Saudi Journey Today!
Planning a solo trip to Saudi Arabia as a woman? Don’t hesitate! The country offers many amenities that make a solo female tourist feel safe, and the country’s laws are gradually adapting to modern notions, with more freedom for women. Keep in mind the local customs and laws, keep track of all the safety facilities, and finally, apply for your Saudi eVisa today!