Safety In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, making it generally safe for solo female travellers. However, cultural differences still exist, so awareness and common sense are key. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's also best to avoid isolated places at night and trust your gut if you feel unsafe.

Before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you might want to save emergency numbers (police and tourist police) on your phone. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with local women's support groups or organisations that offer assistance for females travelling alone in Saudi Arabia.

For extra reassurance, share your plans for your trip with trusted contacts and consider joining guided tours or group activities, especially if you're going to visit less touristy areas in Saudi Arabia. The safest destination for women in Saudi Arabia is Jeddah.

Before you can enter Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to think about the country’s visa requirements. The visa application process will vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you’re a resident of the UK, US or the EU, you should be able to easily apply online with an e-Visa application. You can also apply for a tourist visa on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. With Saudi’s e-Visa, you can choose between a 30-day visa and a 90-day visa. However, please be aware that if you stay any longer than your visa allows, you will be deported and fined! Find out more about Saudi Arabia's visas here at Alternative Airlines.

Another important factor to consider for your trip is travel insurance - while it’s not mandatory, having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. This will cover you for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings and other unforeseen situations, giving you peace of mind for your trip to Saudi Arabia. Make sure you’re up to date with any required vaccinations and health screenings before you travel. You’ll also need to be prepared for thorough security screenings at Saudi Arabian airports and cooperate with authorities if necessary.

Once you’re in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to consider keeping yourself safe, respecting local laws and customs and dressing modestly. If you’re visiting Saudi Arabia’s bustling cities, such as Riyadh or Jeddah, make sure you are vigilant in crowded areas, especially during events or religious gatherings. 

Saudi Arabia adheres to Islamic principles and enforces Sharia law rigorously. It is essential to honour local traditions, customs, laws, and religious beliefs to avoid offending. Actions that may be innocuous in the UK could result in severe penalties in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it's advisable to refrain from:

• Public displays of affection- (such as holding hands or hugging). This is considered to be inappropriate and offensive. Physical contact between unrelated men and women in public is also discouraged.
• Using profanity or making rude gestures- Don’t engage in or encourage any discussions around criticism of Islam or the Saudi royal family as this is not only highly offensive but also illegal.
• Playing loud music in public spaces- Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam - show respect during prayer times, avoid disruptions at mosques and don’t enter prayer areas unless you’re a Muslim.

Violations of these norms can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Here are some key things to remember, when travelling to Saudi :

• Dress modestly - this means you need to cover your shoulders and knees in loose-fitting clothing, especially outside major cities. Choose clothes made out of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Scarves are not mandatory but welcomed in some conservative areas.
• Mindful greetings - avoid physical contact with strangers, and instead go for a nod or smile. Greetings for women differ slightly; use "Marhaba" for hello and "Shukran" for thank you.
• Public behaviour - be mindful of noise levels and public displays of affection. In some areas, women and men have separate seating sections.
• Photography - always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially other women. Be respectful of religious sites and avoid photographing them during prayer times.
• Local sensitivities - be aware of local customs during Ramadan, where eating and drinking in public during the day is prohibited. Respectful clothing and behaviour are especially important during this time.

These are general guidelines and specific situations may vary. By being mindful and respectful, you can have a smooth and safe travel experience in Saudi Arabia.