A 2026 Guide for Female Travelers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Updated on Aug 20, 2026 | Saudi e-Visa

Saudi Arabia is ranked among the safest G20 countries for female travelers. Based on the high safety level and top tourist attractions like AlUla, this country is a good foreign tour option for female travelers.

Key Takeaways

  • Saudi Arabia is ranked as one of the safest destinations to visit for female travelers.
  • Getting an eVisa is a good option because of the convenient application procedure.
  • Ensure modesty in dressing is a must.
  • The top destinations to explore are Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla.

Saudi Arabia has remained a top priority for global tourists. The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aims for a high investment in tourism. The country witnessed 122 million domestic and international tourists in 2025, a 5% Y-O-Y increase. This blog will inform women on a safe and enjoyable trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What Pre-Trip Essentials Do Women Need to Keep in Mind?

Proper planning leads to a smooth journey. Here are some of the important aspects that you need to keep in mind.

Visa/eVisa Application

Follow these steps to get your travel document smoothly. Depending on where you’re from, you may need to get either the paper visa or the electronic (eVisa) one.

  • Visit a reputed eVisa portal and click on the eVisa application segment. For the paper visa, visit the nearest embassy.
  • Fill out the application form by providing personal and passport details.
  • Upload/submit the required documents (scanned passport copy and a recent photo)
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Get your eVisa emailed within 3 to 7 business days/Wait for 10 to 14 working days for a regular visa.
  • Print your eVisa/keep your paper visa with you on the trip.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is winter, as Saudi Arabia has a hot summer.

The best time to visit is from November to February. The temperature at this time remains between 15°C and 25 °C. This ensures a mild and comfortable journey.

Essential Applications and Communication

Keeping some important apps ensures a convenient journey. These include:

  • Uber/Careem (transport)
  • Haramain (trains)
  • Google Translate
  • Google Maps

You will need to contact others on the trip. The first thing you need to do when you land in the Kingdom is purchase a local sim card (eSIM). This helps you in interacting with people, and will also be helpful in case of any emergency.

Dress Code for Women Travelers

Strict dress codes are not enforced in Saudi Arabia. However, you need to respect the Saudi culture. Check out the given packing guide for the clothes you should pack.

Modest Clothing

The clothing etiquette in Saudi Arabia combines modesty and local culture. Wear dresses that cover your knees and shoulders.

Ignoring the dressing suggestion will not result in any legal consequences. Well, this is the bare minimum that is expected from the travelers. This makes you a responsible traveler, thereby ensuring that you respect their cultural norms.

Abaya Mandate (former)

Gone are those days when female travelers had to wear abayas. This is no longer mandatory for foreigners. The idea of a strict legal dress code for women travelers has been dropped.

However, are you planning to visit any mosque? If so, consider wearing an abaya. In addition, cover your hair with a scarf.

Clothing Essentials

Some essential items of clothing your bag must have are:

  • Long-sleeve tops and tunics
  • Long skirts and wide-leg pants
  • Light scarf
  • Long cardigans

These will keep you protected from the scorching Saudi sun. In the winter, light sweaters are enough to keep you comfortable.

Beachwear and Footwear

Saudi Arabia has stunning beaches along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Respect the Saudi culture when you visit a beach. Wear modest swimwear for public beaches. If you want to wear a bikini, you can only wear it at private hotel resorts.

There are no restrictions on footwear in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, comfort should be your priority while selecting shoes. Some of the probable options for women travelers are sneakers, flats, sandals with secure straps, etc.

Safety and Cultural Etiquette for Women Travelers in Saudi Arabia

Safety is a foremost priority when you are visiting a new country. Here are some of the safety and cultural etiquette for women.

Safety for the Solo Travelers

With a minimal crime rate, Saudi Arabia is safe for women. Hence, feel free to visit the country alone. Well, you must possess a good level of situational awareness.

Interaction with the Locals

When you interact with the locals, especially men, it's better to nod and smile rather than shake hands. Maintain a respectful distance from unknown men. Although there is a very low chance of any bad incident, it's better to stay alert.

Gender Segregation and Public Behavior

There was a time when gender segregation was highly prevalent in Saudi restaurants. Today, restaurants do not need to have separate seating, entrances, and partitions for men and women following reforms announced by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in late 2019.

Top Destinations to Explore

Saudi Arabia is a paradise for global travelers. Here are the top destinations that female travelers must not miss.

Riyadh

Missing Riyadh on a Saudi trip is a mistake, and you should not do it. Visit the Al Masmak Fortress, and visit the alleyways of the Al-Zal Souq. Visit Riyadh Park Mall for shopping. If you love hiking, take a day trip to the stunning Edge of the World.

AlUla

What makes AlUla a must-visit place in Saudi Arabia is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. What kinds of experiences can you obtain here? Well, the major ones are guided tours of ancient sites, hiking through desert landscapes, visiting the mirrored Maraya concert hall, etc. Dine at local restaurants and try local food options.

Jeddah

Are you seeking freedom to drive in Saudi Arabia independently? If so, Jeddah is the place. What you must acknowledge is exploring the historic Al-Balad district, diving in the Red Sea, and experiencing high-end shopping. This city also has female-only salons and lounges.

Transportation and Accommodation: What to Consider?

Safety and reliability are important when you consider transportation options in Saudi Arabia. Prefer Uber or Careem to travel. Are you comfortable driving? If yes, you can rent a car. The other transportation options include flights, buses, taxis, metro (Riyadh), etc.

Women travelers can stay in international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments. You can also avail of female-only floors. There are limited budget-friendly accommodation options in Saudi Arabia. Use Couchsurfing to find accommodation as per your preference.

What Do You Need to Avoid?

There are some things that you need to avoid in Saudi Arabia. This ensures safe and responsible travel. These include:

  • Wearing revealing clothes
  • Entering a mosque without permission (especially for non-Muslims)
  • Photographing locals without consent
  • Drinking alcohol in public
  • Bringing prohibited items

Ready to Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia ensures a memorable travel experience for female travelers. Visit our site to apply for a Saudi eVisa. Get it mailed and start making travel plans. Obtain an experience of a lifetime.

Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. Malaysian citizens, South Korean citizens, Hungarian citizens, Panamanian citizens and Maldivian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.

 
Saudi Visa Application