Solo Female Travel to Saudi Arabia — your complete guide covering visas, dress code, safety, accommodation, transportation, lifestyle, and the best destinations. If you’re planning a solo trip to the Kingdom, this is your roadmap.
Who Is This For?
Any woman aged 18 or older from over 60 eligible countries can apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa independently. No male guardian or companion is required. Eligible countries include: the US, Canada, the UK, all EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, and more. Check your eligibility at the official eVisa website.
Where to Go?
Best destinations for solo female travellers:
- Jeddah: The most liberal city in Saudi Arabia. The Corniche, historic Al-Balad district, beachfront cafés, and Red Sea views make it ideal for solo female travellers.
- Riyadh: The modern capital. Kingdom Tower, KAFD, world-class museums, and enormous malls like Riyadh Park.
- AlUla: The crown jewel of Saudi heritage tourism. Peaceful and safe, home to Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), Elephant Rock, and the Old Town.
- Dammam & Al Khobar: The Eastern Province along the Arabian Gulf. Upscale communities with beautiful beaches.
- Abha & Al Baha: Cool mountain retreats with lush green scenery and fresh air.
City Comparison for Solo Female Travellers
| City | Safety | Entertainment | Cost/Night | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 300–800 SAR | Beaches, history, cafés |
| Riyadh | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 400–1200 SAR | Shopping, entertainment, culture |
| AlUla | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 500–2000 SAR | History, nature, peace |
| Abha | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 200–600 SAR | Mountains, nature, fresh air |
How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated costs for a 7-day solo trip:
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | ~535 SAR |
| 4-star hotel (7 nights) | ~1,500–3,500 SAR |
| Health insurance | Included in visa fee |
| Daily meals | ~150–300 SAR/day |
| Transport (Uber/Careem) | ~50–150 SAR/day |
When to Visit?
- November – March: Best time. Mild weather, perfect for exploring.
- October & April: Transitional — still good but can get warm.
- May – September: Very hot. Avoid outdoor activities.
Visa — First Step
Since 2019, women can obtain a tourist eVisa without a male guardian. Steps:
- Go to visa.visitsaudi.com
- Create an account with your email
- Fill in your passport details and personal information
- Select the tourist visa (multiple entry, valid 1 year)
- Upload your photo and passport copy
- Pay the visa fee (~535 SAR, includes health insurance)
- Receive your visa by email within 24–48 hours
Dress Code — What to Wear
Great news: the abaya is no longer mandatory for foreign tourists.
- Cover shoulders and arms — avoid sleeveless tops outside resorts.
- Loose trousers or long skirt covering your legs.
- No tight or see-through clothing.
- Hijab is NOT required in public — but it IS required inside mosques.
- The abaya is optional but practical and shows cultural awareness.
Safety
Saudi Arabia ranks 14th globally on the Numbeo Safety Index (2025) and is the safest G20 country.
- Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) — they have trip sharing and emergency buttons.
- Book hotels in central locations — international chains are fully accustomed to solo female guests.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 997 |
| Civil Defense | 998 |
| Tourist Helpline | 930 |
Essential Apps Before You Travel
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Uber / Careem | Safe transportation |
| Google Maps | Navigation |
| Experience AlUla | Book AlUla tours |
| Booking.com / Agoda | Hotel booking |
| Visit Saudi app | Official tourism info |
| Google Translate | Instant translation |
Accommodation
- All hotels accept solo female guests without restrictions since 2019.
- Request a high-floor room.
- In Jeddah: Al-Balad or Corniche area.
- In Riyadh: Olaya or Diplomatic Quarter.
Transportation
Car rental: Women have been legally driving since 2018. Rent a car with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Train: SAR trains connect Riyadh, Dammam, AlUla, and Tabuk — comfortable, safe, with women-only seating sections.
Domestic flights: Saudia, Flynas, and Riyadh Air offer affordable domestic routes.
Golden Tips for Solo Female Travellers
- Download apps before you travel: Uber/Careem, Experience AlUla, Google Maps.
- Keep copies of your passport and visa in your bag and email.
- Choose highly-rated hotels (8+) in central locations.
- Exchange currency at the airport — Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
- Share your itinerary with someone back home.
- Choose the right season (November–March).
FAQ
Do women need a male guardian to travel to Saudi Arabia?
No. Since 2019, women can travel solo with a tourist eVisa — no guardian required.
Do hotels accept solo female guests?
Yes, all hotels welcome solo female guests since the 2019 tourism reforms.
Is wearing an abaya mandatory for female tourists?
No. Abayas are not mandatory for foreign tourists. Modest, loose-fitting clothing is expected.
Can women drive in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, since June 2018. Rent a car with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Also read: Saudi Tourist Visa Guide — Tourism in Jeddah — AlUla & Hegra Guide
Official visa website: visa.visitsaudi.com
