Is It Safe to Travel to Saudi Arabia?

Did you know that Saudi Arabia set a goal to attract over 100 million tourists each year by 2030?

For anyone who has ever heard of the travel advisory to Saudi Arabia, this news may come as a shock. While it’s true that Saudi Arabia has had a history of being strict with outsiders, this pivot in culture comes from their desire to pull away from the oil industry and pursue tourism.

So is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia now? Keep reading to learn 5 tips that will help you plan your trip.

1. Take Time to Research Their Culture

Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a tourist, especially from a western culture, can seem daunting at first. Since this country is ruled under Sharia law, there’s a lot to learn about their lifestyle. While you have to invest time to learn what’s appropriate to do, wear, and say, respectful tourists should always research every new destination around the world.

2. Be Mindful of Their Religion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is an incredible chance to learn more about Islamic culture. While Saudi Arabia is open to tourists, the citizens won’t tolerate any disrespect toward their religion. This can include more obvious gestures like interrupting prayer time or refusing to dress modestly, but it can also include openly practicing a different religion.

This is why it’s crucial to understand their rules beforehand to avoid any public distress.

3. Be Aware of Law Enforcement

It’s easy to identify law enforcement officers in many countries, but Saudi Arabia is a bit different. In addition to traditional police officers, Saudi Arabia also has the muttawa, which is a volunteer group that helps enforce Sharia law. Since anyone could be part of the muttawa, this means you have to be on your best behavior at all times in public.

4. Find a Safe Place to Stay

Like in any other country, Saudi Arabia also has safe and dangerous parts of town. Since the majority of the country is a secure place, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a wonderful place to stay when you travel to Saudi Arabia. Learning about the different types of hotels there can help you find the perfect accommodations that will make you feel the most comfortable.

5. Listen to Your Intuition

Visiting a foreign country with a language barrier can be intimidating. Even after doing your research, you may find yourself in situations where you feel unsure of yourself. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a local guide if you have one.