Female travellers from Saudi Arabia can now travel outside their country independently

A landmark reform has now been announced for female travellers in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia travel rules for women once did not allow them the freedom to travel without permission from a male guardian. However, now that is going to change, as women over the age of 21 will be allowed to leave the country without a male relative’s permission. These changes are now published on Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports’ website. The rule will be implemented from the end of August.
Another important change is that Saudi mothers will now be able to apply for passports children who are in their custody, and at the same time approve travel abroad. The new rules strip Saudi men of their power over Saudi women in terms of travel. Other changes include women getting the right to officially register childbirth, marriage, and divorce, and the right to be recognised as guardian of children who are minors.


Previously, husbands, fathers, and other male relatives had the authority to make important decisions for women, including their travel plans. Women who had to seek their male relative’s permission to get a passport or even leave the country, can now do so at their own will.
Reforms for women in the sector of travel and otherwise are now being implemented after attempts by women to escape their alleged guardianship abuse. Last year, Saudi Arabia even lifted the ban on women drivers in the country.