Going to Jeddah: do I need to cover up as soon as I leave the airport?

I have been to Saudi a number of times, although mostly to Riyadh and never to Jeddah. I always wear my abaya once i am on the plane, but tend not to cover my hir until in the airport. Jeddah is more liberal then Riyadh, so not covering your hair is prob fine, but i would wear the abaya all the time.

Hi Therese, it's best to put the abaya on as soon as you leave the plane, and women are required to wear the abaya when out in public - rather keep it on so that you don't draw any unwanted attention. Have a look at our Culture Shock in Saudi Arabia and Women in Saudi Arabia pages to read more about what to expect as a women in the country.

As both comments above, you do want to wear your abaya all the time as it is the culture here and you feel far more comfortable and blend in when wearing one. We often go out without covering our heads but definitnely take your scarf with you - if approached to cover your hair, it is just easier and less daunting to comply. Generally you are left to yourself (unless of course you draw attention to yourself (if loud), or show PDA which is not permitted. Enjoy your trip

What's PDA ..???

PDA = Public Displays of Affection, I believe... :)

Thanks everyone, wore the abaya every time I went out and when I left the plane, and that was the right thing to do. So thanks for all your answers, it has been very helpful.

hi my husband is an expat working in jeddah, while im on a residence visa here in dubai. i woould like to visit him there, but his company cannot issue me an invitation letter for visit. is there an alternative way that i can visit him for couple of days? what are the documents needed and the proper process as i prefer to do all the processing at my end. thank you and awaiting for your response.

I understood that Saoudi does not give out tourist visa, but that a visa for immediate family should not be a problem. Is there any way you can contact your embassy in Saoudi (or Dubai, or your homecountr) to check with them if you can visit your spouse?

Hello there, Saudi Arabia issues tourist visas but a female needs to be co-applicant with a legal male relative like husband or father. If your husband's visa category states that he is a white collar employee then he can always invite you on a visiting visa. He needs to click on this link https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/FamilyVisitVisa/create and can fill up the form with the assistance of someone who is having proficiency in Arabic. He is required to upload documents like marriage certificate and letter from the company stating NOC and his salary and all(endorsed from the COC). The status can be c hecked online. Once approved he needs to pay a personal visit to the Maktab Al Istekdaam for a brief PI and collect the visa. Hope it is of some help. regards

do visitors/tourists need to wear abaya while on the plane going to riyadh?