Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: Safety, Culture, Laws & Etiquette

Few countries have transformed their travel landscape as dramatically as Saudi Arabia. In September 2019, the kingdom opened its doors to international tourists for the first time, inviting visitors to explore ancient ruins, Red Sea coastlines, and sprawling deserts. But for first-time travelers, the mix of strict cultural norms and new openness can feel confusing. This guide cuts through the uncertainty with concrete, source-backed answers to the most common questions.

Population: 35.9 million (2023 estimate) ·
Official religion: Islam ·
Tourist visa introduced: September 2019 ·
Female employment rate: 33.6% (2022) ·
Total land area: 2.15 million km²

The table below compiles the essential facts every traveler should have at their fingertips before packing.

Is it safe to go to Saudi Arabia now?

General safety for tourists

Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate by international standards. The U.S. Department of State (travel advisory) notes that tourist areas are heavily policed and generally safe. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should remain aware of their surroundings.

Crime rates and public security

• Petty crime like pickpocketing is low, especially in Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Checkpoints are common, and police are responsive to reports.

Travel advisories from home countries

Many governments issue travel advisories that mention risks related to terrorism or regional tensions. The U.S. State Department (travel advisory) currently recommends Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism and missile/ drone attacks on civilian targets. Check your own country’s advisory before booking.

Health and medical facilities

Medical infrastructure is good in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. In remote areas, facilities are limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

What this means: Safety in Saudi Arabia for tourists is high in terms of crime, but the legal environment poses the greater risk. Planning around local laws is essential.

Can girls wear shorts in Saudi Arabia?

Dress code for women tourists

The U.S. State Department (travel advisory) states that women should cover shoulders and knees, and that shorts are generally not allowed in public. The International Trade Administration (business travel guide) adds that women are no longer required to wear abayas but should wear loose-fitting, concealing clothing with long pants or skirts, elbow-length sleeves, and modest necklines. Exceptions exist at private resorts and hotel pools.

Differences between Riyadh and other cities

Enforcement is stricter in Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah and coastal cities, the atmosphere is more relaxed. The U.S. State Department (travel advisory) notes that most women wear a full-length abaya in Riyadh, while in Jeddah some wear only modest clothing.

What is considered modest attire?

• Women: long pants or skirts, tops with sleeves, high necklines. Abaya optional but common.
• Men: shirts always required; shorts may be denied entry to public spaces (U.S. State Department).
• Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and private beaches.

Consequences of non-compliance

Penalties range from verbal warnings to fines or deportation for severe violations. The International Trade Administration advises men not to wear shorts or tank tops in public.

The pattern: Shorts are off-limits in public, but the definition of “public” and the strictness vary. Err on the side of coverage.

Can I kiss my wife in public in Saudi?

Public displays of affection (PDA) laws

The U.S. State Department (travel advisory) warns that public displays of affection may be criminalized. Kissing in public, even between spouses, can lead to detention or fines. The advisory also states that casual or out-of-wedlock sexual relations, or the appearance of such, are criminalized.

What is considered minor affection?

Hand-holding among married couples is often tolerated, but not universally. Best practice: avoid any physical contact in public to avoid legal issues.

Recommendations for couples

• Save affection for private spaces like hotel rooms.
• Be discreet when showing any form of closeness.

Why this matters: What feels natural at home can land you in police custody here. The safest assumption is zero PDA.

Are Christians allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Legal status of non-Muslims

The U.S. State Department (travel advisory) states that the public practice of religions other than Islam is not allowed. Saudi Arabia officially recognizes only Islam. Public display of non-Islamic religious items such as crosses and Bibles is generally not permitted.

Private worship vs public practice

Private worship in homes is tolerated but not legally protected. Proselytizing and sharing religious literature are not allowed and may result in long prison sentences (U.S. State Department).

Places of worship for expats

There are no official churches. Some expat compounds may hold services in private homes. The International Trade Administration notes that Christian expats often gather discreetly in private residences.

Recent changes under Vision 2030

Since Vision 2030, some restrictions have relaxed for foreign workers, but public Christian worship remains illegal. The trend is toward greater tolerance, but change is slow.

The trade-off: You can visit as a Christian, but you cannot practice publicly. Bring your faith privately; leave the symbols at home.

Can an American marry a Saudi girl?

Legal requirements for foreign-Saudi marriages

A foreign man must obtain permission from the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The bride’s male guardian (wali) must consent. Conversion to Islam is often required for the groom. Marriages must be registered with Saudi courts and may take months to process (U.S. State Department).

Role of the bride’s guardian (wali)

Under Saudi law, a woman cannot marry without the consent of her male guardian. This requirement is strictly enforced, and the wali must be present during the marriage contract.

Documentation and approval process

• Submit application to Saudi Ministry of Interior.
• Obtain approval from the bride’s wali.
• Register marriage with Saudi court.
• American citizens should register the marriage with the U.S. embassy for recognition abroad (U.S. State Department).

Cultural considerations and conversion

Conversion to Islam is often required, and the groom may need to demonstrate knowledge of Islamic practices. The process can be lengthy and emotionally demanding.

The implication: Marrying a Saudi citizen as an American is possible but involves significant legal and cultural steps. Start planning at least six months in advance.

What is the biggest cause of death in Saudi Arabia?

Leading causes of mortality

Cardiovascular diseases, especially ischemic heart disease, are the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. The World Health Organization (WHO) country profile ranks ischemic heart disease as the top cause of mortality, followed by stroke.

Road traffic accidents

Road traffic accidents are a major cause of death for younger age groups, particularly among men. Despite improvements, Saudi Arabia has a higher road fatality rate than many OECD countries.

Diabetes and obesity trends

Diabetes prevalence is high — around 18% of the adult population — due to lifestyle factors and diet. Obesity rates are also elevated, contributing to cardiovascular disease.

Data from WHO and Saudi Ministry of Health

Both the WHO and the Saudi Ministry of Health report that non-communicable diseases account for the majority of deaths. Travelers with pre-existing conditions should ensure they have adequate medication and know where to find English-speaking medical care.

Why this matters: For expats and long-term travelers, understanding the leading health risks helps in planning lifestyle choices and medical coverage.

What travelers are saying

The U.S. travel advisory is clear: public displays of affection may be criminalized. Tourists should treat PDA as a serious offense, not a minor faux-pas.

U.S. Department of State (travel advisory)

Women are no longer required to wear abayas, but conservative dress is still recommended. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is the safe choice.

International Trade Administration (business travel guide)

American expats in Saudi Arabia report that hand-holding is usually tolerated, but anything more risks police intervention. Better to be cautious.

American expat forum accounts (summarized from multiple online reports)

For first-time visitors, the choice is clear: prepare thoroughly, respect local laws, and keep a low profile. Saudi Arabia offers incredible experiences — from the ancient Nabatean tombs of AlUla to the coral reefs of the Red Sea — but the rules of engagement are different from any Western destination. Follow them, and you’ll have a safe, eye-opening journey. Ignore them, and you risk legal trouble that could overshadow your trip. Plan ahead, dress modestly, keep affection private, and enjoy one of the most fascinating countries on Earth.

For a more detailed overview, check out this comprehensive travel guide which covers safety, dress codes, and local laws in even greater depth.

Frequently asked questions