Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Woman: What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia has, in recent years, gone a long way in welcoming foreign visitors, including individual female tourists. The kingdom that was once a synonym for the most conservative countries now accepts women of all backgrounds without the need to mandate male guardians and rigid travel conditions. Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman in 2025 is not only possible, but for many, it’s empowering, enlightening, and safe, provided you're well-prepared and culturally informed.

This international travel guide provides you with all the information that every woman should know, including legal rights, dressing, and how to travel within the country, good health, and safety without being inconvenienced, disrespectful, or forgettable.

Woman in hijab 

1. Legal and Social Reforms That Empower Women Travelers

The Saudi government has, in the last couple of years, pioneered mass changes with the aim of promoting tourism, particularly under its Vision 2030 program. Such developments have directly affected the experience of traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman now, as it has become quite easy and independent.

Major changes include:

• Women over 18 can now enter the country without a male guardian (mahram).
• Female tourists are allowed to stay in hotels alone.
• Women can drive vehicles and rent cars with an international license.
• Access to many public spaces once reserved for men is now open to all, although certain religious areas and some male-only venues still exist.

Such policies also refer to local women as well as female tourists in Saudi Arabia, which is why the country can be quite inclusive and accessible compared to the previous decades.

2. Is It Safe for Women to Travel Alone in Saudi Arabia?

A common question is: Can a Saudi Arabia woman travel alone and feel safe?

Yes, particularly the big cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, and Dammam that are known to have modern infrastructure and tourism policing.

Although major cities are considered safe, solo female travelers should avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night, as a general precaution. However, cultural norms and legal boundaries must be respected. Solo female travel is not only accepted but increasingly common, particularly as tourism apps, ride-sharing services, and English-speaking services expand.

In terms of security, the journey to Saudi Arabia as a female is second only to that of other, grown, and culturally conservative nations. Here, women can easily enjoy their solo exploration since it is a safe experience, as long as common sense and cultural sensitivity are here.

A woman standing in Saudi Arabia's the desert

3. Dress Code and Cultural Expectations

Saudi Arabia does not need foreign women anymore to cover with the traditional abaya (a loose black robe). However, modesty in dress remains highly encouraged and socially expected.

General dress code tips:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, arms, and knees.
• Avoid low necklines and tight leggings unless covered with a long top or tunic.
• Foreign women are not legally required to wear a headscarf or abaya, but modest clothing that covers arms and legs is expected in public. Bringing a scarf can still be useful when visiting mosques or traditional towns.

When traveling to Saudi Arabia as a female, dress decently to avoid receiving unwelcome attention and show that you know the vagaries of the culture, which will be valued by native people.

4. Social Behavior and Public Etiquette

When traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman, understanding public behavior norms is crucial. While society is becoming more open, traditional values still play a significant role.

• Public displays of affection (even between married couples) are discouraged.
• Avoid initiating physical contact with men, including handshakes, unless they do so first.
• Use women-only areas when available (e.g., prayer spaces, family sections in restaurants).
• Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women and children.

When you are a Saudi Arabian tourist woman, it would not be safe to disrespect these practices; however, by treating them with courtesy, it create valuable cultural engagements.

5. Accommodation and Transportation Tips

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extensive accommodation deals for women, ranging from luxurious to expensive hotels and from poor to nominal hostels. International hotel chains are accustomed to global guest standards, and most of them boast of high privacy with female-staffed services with security.

For transportation:

• Uber and Careem are widely used and generally safe for women, though the option to request a female driver may not be available in all areas.
• Women are legally allowed to rent and drive cars. Roads are modern, but traffic can be aggressive in urban centers.
• For long-distance travel, high-speed trains (like Haramain Express) and domestic flights are safe and efficient.

Regardless of whether you are a tourist who wants to spend a weekend in the city or visit the desert, Saudi Arabia lends itself in more ways to solo female travelers, including infrastructure and useful apps.

6. Women-Only Spaces: Comfort and Privacy

One of the things that is exclusive to female visitors to Saudi Arabia is women-only facilities with all the comforts and privacy that they provide.

These include:

• Women-only gyms, salons, and spas.
• Special shopping hours or floors dedicated to female customers.
• Gender segregation in public venues is no longer legally enforced, but many establishments still offer family or women-only sections for cultural comfort and privacy.

Far from feeling restrictive, many female tourists find these spaces a welcome relief—especially during long days of sightseeing.

The woman is traveling in Saudi Arabia

7. Medical Services and Emergency Support

The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is modern, with English-speaking doctors present in the major hospitals and clinics. Numerous healthcare professionals are female as well.

But medical costs for tourists can be high.

That’s why travel insurance is strongly recommended. In fact, having valid insurance is often a requirement when applying for a tourist visa.

Saudi Arabia travel insurance requirements include:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Hospitalization and COVID-19 treatment
• Repatriation coverage in case of serious illness or accident

Choose Travelner Insurance for peace of mind:

• Visa-compliant coverage
• 24/7 emergency assistance, including female support staff
• Easy online purchase with instant documentation
• Customized packages for solo female travelers and Umrah pilgrims

Travelner offers supplemental travel insurance plans that go beyond the mandatory eVisa insurance, providing extra coverage and peace of mind for female travelers.

8. Pilgrimage Travel (Hajj and Umrah) for Women

Saudi Arabia is the spiritual center of the Islamic world, with millions of pilgrims each year. Now, even women may proceed with Umrah or Hajj without a male custodial presence, under certain conditions.

For Umrah, women over 18 can travel alone and perform the pilgrimage independently. There is no longer a legal requirement for a mahram (male guardian), making it significantly easier for female travelers to arrange short religious visits on their own.

For Hajj, while Saudi Arabia no longer requires a mahram for women over 18 to perform Hajj or Umrah, some national Hajj authorities or group operators may still enforce this condition. Women are advised to check both Saudi regulations and their home country’s policies before booking. For example, some countries like Pakistan previously mandated a mahram for female pilgrims, even though Saudi rules have relaxed. Women planning Hajj should therefore check both Saudi regulations and the policies of their own national Hajj authorities before booking their trip.

Travel tips for female pilgrims:

• Dress according to pilgrimage guidelines (white clothing for Umrah; specific attire for Hajj).
• Avoid the hottest seasons (June–August) unless well-prepared.
• Choose packages that cater to women (including women-only hotel floors, transport, and guides).

• Confirm in advance whether your country’s Hajj operator requires a mahram for female pilgrims.

As a provider, Travelner Insurance offers dedicated pilgrimage insurance with coverage for heatstroke, exhaustion, and crowd-related incidents.

9. Testimonials: What Female Travelers Are Saying

“I was nervous at first, but after two days in Riyadh, I felt completely safe and welcomed. Locals were helpful, and I loved exploring the old souks and museums.” – Emma, UK

“Using Uber with female drivers was a game changer. I highly recommend Travelner Insurance too—they helped me sort my visa documentation in less than 10 minutes.” – Sarah, Malaysia

The stories are not an isolated case: the idea to fly to Saudi Arabia and be a woman is not the worst. Quite on the contrary, it is becoming one of the trends.

A group of people sitting on top of a sandy beach

10. Final Tips for a Safe and Rewarding Trip

To wrap up, here are some essential reminders for women planning their Saudi Arabia adventure:

• Book accommodation with verified reviews and 24/7 reception.
• Carry both a digital and printed copy of your travel insurance certificate.
• Stay updated on travel advisories from your home country.
• While Tawakkalna was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no longer mandatory for tourists. Absher is primarily for residents with a valid Iqama and is typically not needed for short-term visitors.
• Respect cultural norms while maintaining your personal identity and comfort.

Conclusion

The landscape for traveling to Saudi Arabia as a woman has changed dramatically—and for the better. With reforms being made to endow equality, an infrastructure that supports safety, and an embracing attitude, this country is unmatched territory and one to visit and enjoy.

Be it the history and culture you want to explore, seeking spirituality by visiting the different sites, or adventure, this is your moment to explore the kingdom your way.

And with Travelner Insurance, you don’t just protect your trip—you empower it. Visit travelnerinsurance.com to choose a plan tailored for solo female travelers today.