Saudi Arabia Travel 2025: Safety, Rules, Dress Code

Few countries have transformed their global image as quickly as Saudi Arabia — just a few years ago it was one of the hardest places to enter, and today it issues eVisas and markets itself as a must-see destination. If you’re planning a visit in 2025, this guide walks through the most common concerns with up-to-date advice and official sources so you can travel with confidence.

Capital: Riyadh ·
Official Language: Arabic ·
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR) ·
Area: 2.15 million sq km ·
Population (2023): 35.9 million ·
National Day: September 23

Eight facts that frame your visit, one pattern: official sources consistently emphasise that modest, loose-fitting clothing is the baseline for everyone, with stricter expectations in religious settings.

Is it safe to visit Saudi Arabia now?

Current safety situation for tourists

• Tourist infrastructure has grown rapidly since 2019 with expanded security measures in major cities (U.S. Department of State).
• Petty crime rates are low; violent crime against tourists is rare (U.S. Department of State).

Travel advisories from Western governments

• The U.S. State Department advises Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism risk in some regions (U.S. Department of State travel advisory).
• Canada advises normal precautions in most areas but warns of the risk of missile and drone attacks near the Yemen border (Government of Canada travel advice).

Missile attacks: real risk or exaggerated?

• There have been no confirmed missile strikes targeting tourist areas in the past 12 months, according to official advisories.
• Houthi attacks have historically targeted military and oil infrastructure, not tourist zones.

The pattern: official advisories give a green light for most tourist zones but single out border regions as genuine risk areas.

What is Saudi Arabia’s old name?

Pre-unification names

• Before 1932 the region was known as the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd (Wikipedia).
• The area was historically referred to as ‘Arabia’ in ancient texts.

The Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd

• This dual kingdom was ruled by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud after he conquered the Hejaz in 1925.
• He merged the Hejaz and Nejd into a single state.

The founding of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932

• The name “Saudi Arabia” was officially adopted on September 23, 1932 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
• National Day is celebrated on September 23 each year.

The implication: the kingdom’s regional diversity is rooted in its relatively recent unification, which still shapes local customs today.

Can girls wear shorts in Saudi Arabia?

Dress codes for female tourists

• The U.S. State Department advises women to cover shoulders and knees and avoid tight clothing (U.S. Department of State).
• Canada’s advice says both men and women should dress modestly, avoid tight-fitting clothing, and cover shoulders and knees (Government of Canada).
• The UK government says men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing covering the elbow and below the knee (UK Foreign Travel Advice).

What is allowed in public spaces vs. resorts

• Shorts are generally not acceptable in public but may be worn at private resorts or beaches.
• The Saudi eVisa Public Decorum Charter says visitors must dress modestly and avoid outfits with photos, figures, signs, or phrases violating common decency (Saudi eVisa / Visit Saudi).

Cultural expectations and modesty norms

• Women in conservative areas often cover their hair with a hijab, according to the U.S. State Department.
• Jeans and long skirts are widely accepted for women.
• Men are not required to wear traditional Saudi dress, but going shirtless is never acceptable in public (U.S. Department of State).

The catch: packing light is less useful than packing right — a scarf and long sleeves unlock access to more places.

Can tourists drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

Current alcohol policy for visitors

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited for all non-Muslims and Muslims in Saudi Arabia (U.S. Department of State).
• There are no bars or liquor stores open to the public.

Hotel restrictions and diplomatic exceptions

• Hotels do not serve alcohol to tourists (unlike some other Gulf states).
• Only foreign embassies and diplomatic compounds may serve alcohol under tight restrictions.

Penalties for possession or consumption

• Possession can lead to detention, fines, or deportation.
• Penalties are strictly enforced, with no tolerance for public intoxication.

What this means: a trip to Saudi Arabia is an alcohol-free experience by law, not just by custom.

What not to bring to Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited items list

• Banned items include pork products, alcohol, non-Islamic religious materials, pornography, and drugs (UK Foreign Travel Advice).
• Drones require special permits and are heavily restricted.
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal (Government of Canada).

Religious and political materials

• Any material perceived as promoting a religion other than Islam may be confiscated.
• Political materials critical of the Saudi government or royal family are prohibited.

Medication and personal care restrictions

• Prescription medications should be accompanied by a doctor’s note and original packaging.
• Narcotics and psychotropic substances are strictly controlled — carry a valid prescription and check with the Saudi embassy.

The bottom line: packing for Saudi Arabia requires more scrutiny than a typical beach holiday, but the rules are clear and easy to follow.

How many wives does Saudi Crown Prince have?

Marital status of Mohammed bin Salman

• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is publicly known to have one wife, Princess Sarah bint Mashour Al Saud (Wikipedia).
• He married her in 2008; they have four children.

The royal family structure

• Polygamy is legal in Saudi Arabia but MBS is not known to have multiple wives.
• His father, King Salman, has had multiple wives.

Historical context of polygamy in the Saudi royal family

• Founding king Abdulaziz Ibn Saud had many wives, but modern Saudi princes typically have fewer.
• The Crown Prince’s monogamous marriage aligns with his public image as a reformer.

The pattern: the Crown Prince’s personal life mirrors the reformist, modernizing image he projects on the world stage.

For the Western tourist planning a 2025 visit, the message is clear: Saudi Arabia is safe and welcoming, but its social rules are not optional. Pack modestly, leave alcohol and vapes at home, and respect local customs. The trade-off is access to one of the world’s most rapidly changing destinations — and a journey you won’t forget.