International Travelers

Yes, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia, but it depends on your nationality. Saudi Arabia also offers citizens of some countries a visa on arrival (VoA) under its Vision 2030 tourism development plan, so it has never been more convenient to visit the historical sites, the lively cities, and religious destinations.

Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?

Currently, nationals of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Schengen Area countries, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and a few others are eligible for visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia.

You can also apply in case you possess a valid visa for the UK, US, or Schengen, and you have in the past entered these zones with that visa. However, immigration officers have the discretion to approve or deny entry based on your travel purpose and documentation at the time of arrival.

What Does the Visa on Arrival Include?

• Valid for tourism purposes only
• Usually single-entry or multiple-entry
• Validity ranges from 30 to 90 days
• Can be obtained at major airports and land border crossings
• Includes mandatory health insurance

Pro tip: Even though the visa on arrival includes basic insurance, it might not be sufficient for full coverage during your stay. That’s where Travelner Insurance comes in—offering more comprehensive protection, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and COVID-19 coverage.

Should You Rely on Visa on Arrival?

While it's convenient, applying online before your trip (eVisa) is often safer and faster—especially during busy travel seasons. A visa on arrival could mean waiting in line and facing potential delays or denials if any requirement is missing.

Maybe you like to travel without stress; in this case, you can apply for a visa in advance and buy the travel insurance on Travelner to satisfy visa conditions and enjoy your trip carefree.

Note: Visa on arrival cannot be used for Hajj pilgrimage. Travelers intending to perform Hajj must apply for a special Hajj visa through licensed agents.

And in case you are intending to travel to Saudi Arabia, outstanding choice. There are many things to discover, be it the ancient desert landscape or the futuristic sky scenery of Riyadh. However, before you take out your suitcase, you should be aware that Saudi Arabia is a country with its own cultural and legal setting. To make your journey pleasurable and respectful to the kingdom, here is a brief understanding of what not to do as a tourist.

1. Avoid Public Displays of Affection

Holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public—even if you’re married—is frowned upon. Keep things respectful in public spaces.

2. Don’t Bring Alcohol or Drugs

The ban on alcohol and contraband is very stringent in Saudi Arabia. The penalties, either deportation or even being jailed, are severe, even when the quantities are small. So, it's best to leave that bottle of wine at home!

3. Dress Modestly

The dress code has been relaxed, but as a tourist, particularly of the female gender, you should dress decently. A safe rule is to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Women are not obliged to wear the abaya, but loose-fitting, modest clothing that does not reveal the body shape is highly recommended.

4. Avoid Taking Photos Without Permission

Taking photos of locals, especially women, government buildings, or religious sites, can cause offense or legal trouble. Always ask before snapping a pic.

5. Respect Religious Practices

If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours, especially in more conservative areas. Many locals fast from dawn to sunset, and it’s respectful to do so privately or in designated areas.

6. Be Cautious with Public Criticism

Speaking negatively about the government, religion, or royal family can carry legal consequences. It’s best to keep opinions respectful and private.

7. Do Not Enter Holy Cities If You Are Non-Muslim

Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the holy city of Makkah and certain areas of Madinah. Check official guidelines before planning your itinerary.

Bonus Tip: Travel With Peace of Mind

Though Saudi Arabia is generally a safe country for tourists, some unwanted experiences, such as a health issue, problems with a flight, a lost suitcase, etc., could arise. This is the reason why you should travel insured.

With Travelner Insurance, you’ll get:

• Emergency medical coverage
• 24/7 multilingual assistance
• Fast online claims
• Travelner Insurance offers supplemental coverage beyond the mandatory insurance included with your Saudi eVisa.

Buying a plan takes just minutes—and it could save you from big headaches later on.
 

Visiting Saudi Arabia as a female tourist has never been easier and friendlier than it is nowadays. Owing to the recent reforms, women are now free to travel around most parts of the nation with greater ease than ever before. Nevertheless, it is also good to know some of the main cultural rules to have a safe and polite trip.

1. Can women travel alone to Saudi Arabia?

Yes! It is now allowed that female tourists can travel without a male companion (mahram). Despite the purposes of your visit to Saudi Arabia, be it sightseeing, cultural experience, or even business, the country accommodates solo female travelers given its eVisa program.

2. Do I have to wear an abaya or headscarf?

It is not obligatory anymore that foreign women wear an abaya (long black robe). Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to wear modest clothes. This implies keeping your shoulders, arms, and knees covered. No headscarf is necessary in town, although it will be a good idea to have one with you in case you want to visit religious buildings or be in a more conservative place.

Non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter mosques in Saudi Arabia, especially in Makkah and Madinah. However, if visiting any mosque that allows non-Muslim visitors—such as those included in heritage or cultural tours—it is mandatory to cover your head as a sign of respect. Keep in mind that many mosques do not allow non-Muslims to enter at all. However, for those mosques that do permit non-Muslim visitors, covering your head is mandatory as a sign of respect.

3. Is it safe for female tourists?

Yes, the country of Saudi Arabia is viewed as one of the most secure ones in the region, particularly in such cities as Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Many restaurants and public spaces still maintain family sections for privacy, although strict gender segregation is no longer mandatory in most places. Nevertheless, it is better to have general travel precautions and emergency insurance.

Tip: Traveling with peace of mind is easier when you have reliable insurance. Travelner Insurance offers supplemental coverage beyond the mandatory eVisa insurance, giving you extra peace of mind. Their plans are perfect for female tourists looking for stress-free adventures in Saudi Arabia.

4. Anything else I should keep in mind?

Avoid public displays of affection, always ask before taking photos of locals (especially women), and respect prayer times and cultural etiquette.

Yes, a woman is capable of going to Saudi Arabia on her own, and most of them have had enriching and safe experiences. Saudi Arabia has gone a long way over the last few years to accommodate solo women travelers due to the implementation of changes by the Vision 2030 plan of the country. Females who are above the age of 18 are now allowed to enter the nation without a male guardian (mahram), book their accommodations, hire cars, and visit the country.

Such cities as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Ula are not only interesting in terms of culture, but they are regarded as extremely safe. Saudi Arabia is a country with low crime rates in comparison with the world average and well-policed streets. As long as you respect local customs—such as dressing modestly and being mindful of public behavior—traveling solo as a woman is not only possible but also increasingly common.

Note: that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy city of Makkah or the central areas of Madinah (Haram). Additionally, non-Muslim women cannot perform Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages, as these religious rites are reserved exclusively for Muslims.

That said, preparation is key. It is always a wonderful idea to obtain travel insurance that complies with Saudi Arabian visa requirements prior to boarding the flight. A medical-related emergency, travel delays, or other unfortunate circumstances that may happen on your journey can be reimbursed by a general policy.

This is where Travelner Insurance comes in. You can take out affordable travel insurance with visa approval with only a few clicks, depending on your requirements. It provides 24-hour worldwide assistance, and immediate digital policy issuances make it easy to supplement the mandatory eVisa insurance with additional coverage.

So, to answer your question simply: Yes, women can absolutely travel alone to Saudi Arabia—and with Travelner by your side, you can do it confidently and safely.
 

Among the most frequently asked questions of female travelers planning their journey to the Kingdom, the question about wearing a headscarf by a tourist in the Kingdom envisions the answer similar to the following one: Do tourists have to wear a headscarf in Saudi Arabia? 

The immediate response is NO, but there are some cultural caveats to be noted on that.

What’s the Rule for Tourists?

Prior to 2019, all women in Saudi Arabia, including tourists, were required by law to wear an abaya and cover their hair in public. However, since the 2019 tourism reforms, the dress code has been relaxed. Female tourists are no longer legally required to wear a headscarf or abaya, although modest attire is still strongly encouraged. But over the last few years, the kingdom has gone through major reforms. Tourist women in this country no longer have to wear a headscarf by law to visit most parts of the country today.

That said, modesty is still highly encouraged, and respecting local customs goes a long way in showing cultural appreciation. You are not expected to wear anything over your hair, but it is advisable to be conservative in your dressing—long-sleeved shirts, wide pants, or long skirts, and clothes that do not outline much of the body. 

You may also want to carry a light scarf in your bag as a precaution. While it’s not mandatory to cover your head, it’s advisable to do so in conservative regions like Al-Qassim or when visiting religious sites. In big cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, local attitudes are generally more relaxed.

What About Visiting Mosques?

Covering your head is expected when entering mosques or religious places (or entering Makkah or Madinah when doing Umrah or Hajj), and you are preferentially requested to do so, irrespective of religion and nationality. It is a cultural sign of respect and religious practice.

Note: that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Makkah and the central areas of Madinah. Muslim women performing Umrah or Hajj must cover their heads as part of religious dress requirements.

Travelner Insurance Tip!

Finding your way through a foreign culture may raise many questions, not only regarding the dress code but also regarding how to stay healthy and safe, and whether you will get delayed somewhere on the way. Enter Travelner Insurance. Travelner Insurance offers supplemental coverage beyond the basic health insurance included with your Saudi eVisa, ensuring broader protection and peace of mind.

Yes, many insurers—including Travelner Insurance—allow unmarried couples to purchase couples travel insurance, provided they live at the same residential address. This requirement usually applies regardless of marital status, as long as the couple can demonstrate a stable domestic partnership.

Do You Need to Prove Cohabitation?

While documentation is not always required at the time of purchase, insurers may request proof if a claim is filed. Acceptable forms of proof may include:

• Matching government-issued IDs (e.g., passports or driver’s licenses)

• Utility bills with both names and the same address

• A joint lease or tenancy agreement

This helps confirm that both people are considered a domestic unit under the policy terms.

Example Scenarios

• Eligible: You and your partner live together at the same address, regardless of marital status.

• Not eligible (usually): You and your partner are in a relationship but maintain separate residences—this scenario often requires purchasing two individual travel insurance policies, as most couples plans require shared residency.

Why This Matters

Failing to meet cohabitation requirements could result in a denied claim—especially if one partner incurs a medical emergency or loss during travel. Always read the policy wording carefully or check directly with the provider before purchase.

Need Help?

If you're unsure whether your relationship meets the criteria for a couples travel insurance policy, Travelner Insurance's customer support can clarify documentation requirements and recommend appropriate options for your travel plans.

Yes, many couples’ travel insurance policies include coverage for trip interruptions—such as missed flights, delays, or cancellations—but this protection typically applies only under specific conditions.

What’s Usually Covered?

Most insurers will reimburse non-refundable expenses—such as prepaid accommodations, tours, or transportation—if the interruption is caused by events beyond your control, including:

• Severe weather (e.g., storms, heavy snowfall)

• Airline strikes or mechanical issues

• Medical emergencies affecting one of the travelers

• Accidents on the way to the airport

For example, if your flight is cancelled due to a snowstorm and you miss two nights of hotel stay in Rome, your policy may reimburse those nights if they were non-refundable.

Note: Coverage typically applies only if the event is unforeseen and beyond the traveler’s control. Insurers may also require that the insured took reasonable steps to avoid the delay, such as arriving at the airport within recommended timelines.

What’s Not Covered?

Trip interruption coverage does not apply in situations like:

• Arriving late to the airport due to your own delay

• Incomplete travel documents (e.g., expired passport or missing visa)

• Voluntary changes to your travel itinerary

• Expenses already refunded by airlines or hotels

Additionally, policies often set maximum payout limits per person or per trip, and reimbursement usually excludes any refundable bookings or promotional tickets.

Important Tips

• Carefully read your policy’s “trip interruption” or “missed departure” sections.

• Keep all receipts and documentation—such as airline notices or medical records.

• Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible.

Need Clarification?

For a better understanding of what your couples travel insurance policy may cover in case of interruptions, you can contact Travelner Insurance Services. Their team can help clarify the policy wording, explain what is typically included or excluded, and assist you in selecting a suitable plan for your specific travel itinerary.

If something unexpected occurs during your trip—such as lost baggage, a delayed flight, or a medical emergency—filing a claim under your couples travel insurance policy is essential to recover eligible costs.

Individual vs. Joint Claims in a Couples Policy

When both partners are covered under a shared couples policy, claims can typically be submitted either jointly or separately, depending on the nature of the incident:

• Joint claim: If both travelers are affected by the same event—like trip cancellation due to a family emergency—one unified claim can be submitted covering shared expenses.

• Individual claim: If only one partner experiences a covered issue—such as lost luggage or hospitalization—they can usually file a claim independently under the same policy.

Example Scenarios

For instance, if you and your partner miss a connecting flight due to a delay, you may submit a joint claim for additional hotel costs and meal expenses. On the other hand, if one partner is hospitalized after a hiking accident, only that individual would need to file a separate claim with the relevant medical reports and receipts.

Basic Steps to File a Travel Insurance Claim

To ensure a smooth claims process, follow these general steps (based on procedures commonly used by insurers such as Travelner Insurance):

1. Notify the insurer as soon as possible through their official claim portal, hotline, or customer support.

2. Complete the claim form, providing accurate travel and personal details.

3. Gather supporting documents, which may include:

   • Medical reports and hospital invoices

   • Flight delay or cancellation confirmations

   • Police reports (in case of theft or loss)

   • Booking confirmations and receipts

4. Submit the completed claim through the specified channel—online upload, email, or physical mail.

5. Track your claim status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Important Tips

• Keep original documents, receipts, and records until your claim is fully resolved.

• File the claim within the timeline specified in your policy—often within 30 to 60 days of the incident.

Need Help?

If you're unsure which documents to prepare or whether your situation qualifies for individual or joint filing, Travelner Insurance Services can assist. Their team can clarify the claims process, explain documentation requirements, and help you understand what your policy does and does not cover—ensuring you're fully prepared whether you're filing for yourself or both travelers.