Solo women travellers to Saudi Arabia are often met with a barrage of questions about their safety and freedoms. The KSA has relaxed certain travel and dress rules for women in recent years, and leisure tourism is also relatively new here. As a result, there are a lot of misconceptions about what the travel experience is like for women in Saudi, especially for those who are visiting alone.
The reality is that as tourism develops, women are visiting in increasing numbers and reporting safe travels, an extremely warm welcome, and a unique opportunity to explore a country that’s on the cusp of great change.
There are of course certain cultural sensitivities and rules to be aware of – we’ve got all the tips you need about travelling to Saudi Arabia as a woman for a smooth, safe and enjoyable trip.
1. Feel free to explore Saudi Arabia to your heart’s content
There are no restrictions on women travelling alone in Saudi Arabia. For both foreigners and Saudi women, there’s legally no need to get permission from a male guardian or anyone else to travel, and you don’t need anyone to accompany you as you explore. Solo female travellers can cross the country, take any transport they like, walk around cities, hit the shops, visit tourist sites and more.
They can also perform Umrah or Hajj unaccompanied. Women travelling alone is still relatively new, especially Saudi women, so you might feel like an object of curiosity sometimes – especially if you’re travelling off the beaten track. However, as everyone will tell you, Saudi’s tourism industry is developing at a breakneck pace and solo female travellers are becoming far less unusual.
2. Choose the bigger cities and tourist areas for your first visit
While the law is clear on women’s freedoms, many restrictions have only been lifted recently and it can take time for cultural norms to catch up. Cities that are well-used to international travellers such as Riyadh and Jeddah, plus the tourist-focused zones of AlUla and the Red Sea Project are easier to navigate than small villages in the more remote areas of Saudi. That’s not to say you can’t travel elsewhere – you can – but you should be conscious of dressing modestly and taking advice on any particular local cultural sensitivities before you arrive.
3. Follow the accepted dress code when out and about
There is a dress code in Saudi Arabia, and it’s mandatory to follow it. Tight or revealing clothing is a no-no, and women should wear loose, opaque clothing that reaches past the elbows and to the ankles. It’s advisable to be mindful about displaying non-Islamic religious imagery. However, contrary to common misconceptions, women don’t have to wear an abaya (long cloak) or cover their hair, although both might be required or considered more respectful at a religious site. Carrying a scarf with you is a good idea – you’ve got the option of covering up if appropriate and it’s handy when moving from the hot outdoors into air-conditioned spaces.
4. Check the guidance before you go for a swim
Swimming is one area when the dress code depends entirely on where you are. On busy public beaches, if it’s a mixed or family area, women usually wear loose trousers and t-shirts to go in the sea. At waterparks, there are often separate days for families and women, with different but strict dress codes for both. Some require women to wear swimwear that covers shoulders and legs on ‘family’ days when men are present.
However, things are generally more relaxed on private beaches. Swimwear and bikinis can be comfortably worn in many resorts, especially newer developments such as those on the Red Sea Coast. Historically men and women didn’t swim together in pools so in many older hotels, there are still men-only pools, or fixed times when women can swim. Again, newer resorts don’t tend to follow the same conventions – men and women can swim or hit the spa together. It’s always a good idea to check with your resort in advance so you can pack what you need and relax when you arrive.
5. Take any mode of transport you like
Getting around Saudi Arabia has become significantly easier for women in recent years. It’s now legal for women to drive, so you’re free to hire a car and explore the Kingdom. If you prefer someone else to take the wheel, there are plenty of alternatives. Uber is available in many cities across the Kingdom and ride-hailing apps such as Leena only use female drivers and cater only to women. And, of course, if you happen to be exploring the great outdoors on a desert safari, astride a camel is still surely the most stylish and photogenic way to get from A to B.
6. Some public transport has dedicated areas for women
Women can also expect to use public transport services freely and safely – buses operate across the Kingdom and in most cities, and there’s a brand new metro in Riyadh. Etiquette dictates that when there’s a male driver in a taxi, women sit in the back of the vehicle. On public buses, solo female travellers and families sit in the front section, while single men take the back seats. There are no such guidelines for Riyadh’s Metro, but there is a family class that can be used by women who want to avoid travelling in a carriage with single men.
7. Mix with the locals and get to know the culture
Mixed social groups are now common across Saudi Arabia, especially in bigger cities. From concerts and entertainment events to coffee shops and restaurants, it’s fine for men and women to hang out and have fun together, whether married or single. Unlike in some other Gulf countries, it’s very likely you’ll meet plenty of locals on your travels and get the chance to socialise and chat.
One cultural tip that still applies however, is to avoid physical touch altogether when meeting a man you don’t know. Placing a hand over your heart is a frequently used alternative to shaking hands when you meet, and it can also be used to warmly express thanks.
8. Arrange your own travel, including visas and hotel rooms
There isn’t a different tourist visa for women travelling by themselves in Saudi Arabia, you can just apply for the regular e-visa, depending on your nationality and type of travel. And women are free to book their own hotel rooms – unmarried women can also share hotel rooms with men without needing to provide any documentation.
