Saudi Women's Travel Rights 2025: What the latest rules mean for passports and trips abroad

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of legal reforms expanding women’s freedom to travel and handle personal documents, part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to modernise society and diversify its economy. As of 2025, women above a certain age enjoy greater autonomy in getting passports and leaving the country, though some limits and procedural hurdles still remain.

Key change: Women 21+ can travel without male guardian consent
A royal decree first issued in 2019 and still valid today allows all Saudi citizens aged 21 or above, including women, to apply for passports and travel internationally without requiring a male guardian’s approval.

This shift ended a long-standing restriction that obliged adult women to secure permission from fathers, husbands, or other guardians before leaving the country. Officials have confirmed that the policy remains part of the broader reform agenda supporting Vision 2030.

Wider Civil Rights: Passports, registration and guardianship
Beyond travel, the amendments also give Saudi women new authority in daily legal matters:

• They may register births, marriages and divorces directly with the Civil Status Department.
  
• Women can obtain family documents such as national identity cards for children.
  
• Mothers can act as legal guardians for their minor children in several administrative contexts.
  

These rights have made it easier for women to manage paperwork related to education, healthcare and family travel.

Remaining rules: Under-21 travellers and special cases

While women 21+ can move freely, those under 21 still require guardian permission to obtain passports or depart the country, except in specific cases:

• Married women below 21
  
• Students on government scholarships abroad
  
• Employees travelling on official assignments with employer consent
  

Other situations such as release from detention centres, leaving protection shelters or resolving custody disputes may also involve guardian input or separate court orders.

Applying for Passports and smooth travel

• Women aged 21+ can submit passport applications directly through the Jawazat (Passports Department) or via the Absher e-portal.
  
• Carry valid ID, recent photographs and proof of address; fees are payable online or at authorised centres.
  
• For travellers under 21, written consent or supporting documents from a guardian, employer or scholarship authority may still be required.

• Always check airline and immigration requirements for destination countries, as local exit laws and foreign visa rules can differ.
  

Looking ahead: Part of Vision 2030 reforms
These measures are among a broader package of social and economic reforms aimed at encouraging women’s participation in public life and the workforce. Officials describe them as “irreversible steps” toward greater equality, though campaigners note that consistent enforcement remains essential so rules are applied uniformly across regions.