What should a tourist avoid doing while in Saudi Arabia?

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.

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.