Is Saudi Arabia Safe for American Tourists
Saudi Arabia is now openly promoting tourism, and there are many interesting sites for tourists. Apart from its cultural and beautiful destinations, tourists can also visit UNESCO World Heritage sites. Now, getting an eVisa is very easy for 50+ countries, including the United States of America. But the real question still arises: Is Saudi Arabia safe for American tourists?
As a tourist, you may be wondering the answers to this question. Well, safety matters to every traveler. And it’s also important that you know about the safety measures of the destination to which you are arranging your trip. If we see the perspective of confirmed visitors, Saudi Arabia is considered to be a very safe country for tourists, and it attracts many visitors every year.
Is Saudi Arabia Safe to Visit for Americans?
Yes, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a fully safe and secure country for Americans as well as for all international tourists. Their government has placed a strong focus on safety and hospitality since the launch of tourist visas. Earlier, Saudi Arabia was known only for the oil industry and religious pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah), but now it’s becoming a popular tourist destination in the Middle East.
The government of Saudi Arabia is continuously working on the safety and comfortable experience of tourists, specifically for Americans, under its Vision 2030 program. Hence, Americans can comfortably travel there without any risk of threats. However, local laws and regulations must be abided by, and you have to show a little cultural adaptation.
How safe is Saudi Arabia for Americans?
Now you should believe that Saudi Arabia is among the safest countries in the Middle East. As every country defines some safety and security rules for tourists, Saudi Arabia also has. Despite being safe, some threats are common in every country. But are there any threats that are common in Saudi Arabia? There are some challenges for which awareness is very important, especially for first-time American tourists.
Among the challenges Americans may encounter are scams, pickpocketing, and a small level of fraud. These can happen mostly in crowded places, but the rate is very low. So, keep your valuables safe. In addition, avoid participating in any protest or demonstration until allowed by authorities; otherwise, actions can be strict. Most American tourists do public displays of affection, which are strictly banned in Saudi Arabia.
Traffic accidents are quite common in the KSA, as some drivers drive at high speeds and aggressively. It might be challenging for tourists to drive in large areas because of traffic jams and different laws. So, always wear a seat belt and avoid night driving. There are some areas that are totally restricted for tourists, such as Najran, Jazban, and Southern Asir, due to ongoing conflicts and regional tensions.
Safety Practices to Follow While Visiting Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is generally safe, but American tourists should follow some safety guidelines on their end. They should keep in mind that Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country and follows the Sharia laws. Following that, tourists are not allowed to drink alcohol or anything illegal publicly. For legal purposes, you can keep a copy of your passport and personal documents in a safe place.
Don’t do photography of government buildings (until allowed) and avoid negative talking or comments on government or religion because the Kingdom has strict rules against that. If you are a non-Muslim, you won’t be allowed to travel towards or enter Makkah city. The reason behind is the main rituals of Hajj and Umrah journey are done in this specific city.
It’s mandatory to be aware of local scams as fraudulent activates’ roots starts from bad local communities.
How Should You Dress and Behave in Saudi Arabia?
By the way, Saudi Arabia has modernized in recent years while following modesty and cultural respect. So, as an American tourist, you also have to show cultural respect and follow the modesty rules. It doesn’t mean that you must wear an Abaya as a female tourist. You can wear loose, long skirts, maxi dresses, and t-shirts that cover shoulders and legs. Avoid wearing tight, transparent dresses or anything that exposes cleavage.
At the same time, American tourists should also follow the cultural etiquette. There may be some gender-segregated areas in Saudi Arabia. Also, avoid touching or disturbing others unless you know them personally. Please politely communicate with others and don’t use bad words. You can take photos of locals with their permission. This will show you are (as a North American) respecting their culture practices.
Saudi Arabia’s Top Tourist Attractions for Americans
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will never disappoint any American Tourist, as there are many attractions in the country. These top tourist attractions are cultural, adventurer, historical, and some are a mix of.
Popular destinations that Americans can visit:
- Riyadh – the capital city of KSA: Masmak Fortress, National Museum, Diriyah, or Kingdom Center Sky Bridge
- AlUla: Red rock mountains, tombs, and Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), UNESCO Heritage site
- Jeddah: Corniche, Old Jeddah, Al-Balad, Floating Mosque, or King Fahd Fountain
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) and Al Qarah Mountains
- Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali) and camel racing for a desert experience
In today’s era, Saudi Arabia is a modern and developing country with strong safety and security laws for international tourists. For Americans, the country is totally safe and welcoming, so they can come here and enjoy their tours. It just requires a little cultural understanding and respect.