Saudi Arabia : Safety by CityJeddah is a city in the Tihamah region of the Hejaz on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia.
It is the largest city in Makkah Province, the largest seaport on the Red Sea, and the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh.
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital.
Traditional coral houses off Souq al-Alawi in al-Balad
Jeddah is also the main entry point, either by air or sea, for pilgrims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two sacred cities of Islam.
Both are a few hours inland from Jeddah.
Warnings & Dangers in Jeddah
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Jeddah is mainly safe but you should respect local rules and discover information about the political situations before the visit. Disrespecting to local moral codes will be followed by severe punishments.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport often goes not by schedule. Taxis are a common and safe way of getting around Jeddah.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are especially active during pilgrimages and in touristic places. Avoid wear on yourself too much jewelry and keep an eye on your pockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Jeddah. Be informed about natural hazards in this region before your visit.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Usually, robbery and kidnapping are not common in Jeddah, but on the outskirts of the city and especially if you are a woman you need to be careful.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Due to its position as one of the country's main cities and proximity to Mecca, terrorist attacks may occur in Jeddah. Usually, they are not aimed at tourists, but you can easily find yourself in the midst of such a skirmish.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There is practically no fraud, but be careful with credit cards at ATM, there is a slight chance of scam.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women traveling to Jeddah should be very cautioned, wear an abaya at all times or very modest clothes, that is cover all the body. Not recommended being alone in most places.
So... How Safe Is Jeddah Really?
Saudi Arabia was one of the most closed countries for foreigners in the world.
Now the country opens for travelers.
But you should know: many of the Saudis do not like foreigners, especially Westerners.
Jeddah still falls under Islamic law so travelers should read, understand, and follow the guidelines in the Saudi Arabia article to stay out of trouble.
The city is safe but if you do any offenses against Sharia Law can still get you penalties up to death.
Local women normally wear a hijab (headscarf) and abaya (long black overgarment) to cover their heads and entire bodies. Women travelers to Jeddah are also required to wear abayas, but this is not strictly enforced.
Alcohol is forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Corporal punishment for Westerners happens to drink alcohol.
Follow local media and be alert to local and regional developments which might trigger public disturbances.
Standards of driving are poor and there are a high number of serious accidents.
You should wear seat belts at all times.
Oil infrastructure remains a possible terrorist target.
It is dangerous to be critical of Saudi Arabia, especially when talking to locals in Jeddah.
But you can still enjoy your time in Jeddah if you are polite and do not violate the cultural rules.
How Does Jeddah Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Jeddah | 68 |
| Riyadh | 52 |
| Mecca | 51 |
| Ad Dammam | 67 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
On September 27, 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced an e-visa program, allowing people from 49 countries to visit, by applying for a visa ahead of their trip or on arrival. Single entry visa allows a full month stay, while multiple-entry visas allow staying for up to three months. A valid passport is a must.
Currency
The Saudi riyal is the currency of Saudi Arabia. It is abbreviated SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal). It is subdivided into 100 halalas.
Weather
The best times to visit Jeddah for ideal weather are from January to March. In Jeddah, the average temperatures vary somewhat. It feels hot for most of the year with a very low chance of rain throughout the year.
Airports
Jeddah has an international airport - King Abdulaziz International Airport is the largest airport in the Kingdom and is well served by airlines from around the world.
Travel Insurance
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
Jeddah Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 29 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 38 | 36 | 35 | 33 | 30 |
| Low °C | 19 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| High °F | 84 | 84 | 88 | 93 | 97 | 99 | 100 | 100 | 97 | 95 | 91 | 86 |
| Low °F | 66 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 75 | 77 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 73 | 72 | 68 |
Saudi Arabia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ad Dammam | 67 |
| Jeddah | 68 |
| Mecca | 51 |
| Riyadh | 52 |
Jeddah is VERY safe
Very far from the truth. As a female, I have never felt unsafe in Jeddah, if not I feel more safe here than some of the most ‘safest cities in the world’. Follow the laws, and you’ll be fine. Also, very untrue that Saudis do not like Westerners; locals are very generous and kind.
TERRORISM Really???
I from Jeddah and my family lived since 1990 And never witnessed TERRORISM
The safest country ever
Mostly safe, but I felt uneasy
The rise in terrorism in Jeddah has kept me awhile for several years. Last I was there, I witnessed an altercation and I have not been able to go back. While the city is beautiful and I have family from there, it is safer in other areas and worth traveling a bit out of the way.
Check your info first
I am American, lived in Jeddah for almost 7 years. I was never unsafe. I was never threatened in any way, at all.
In fact, no American covers their head, and now no abayas. I left my car running, because of the heat. Terrorism? I never encountered it.
Jeddah
I’ve been to Jeddah twice for a couple of weeks each time. As a female American, I never felt unsafe. In fact, I felt like the Saudi’s I encountered were extremely welcoming. I never wore a head scarf and rarely wore an abaya but did dress conservatively.
is this post is for real?
Are you serious?
Jeddah/ Saudi Arabia is the safest nation on the planet. Whether you are a foreigner or belong to any religious belief, you will never feel insecure in this country.
Even a female traveler can go anywhere she wants because local police and country law are so strict that not a single person will do anything wrong with foreigners.
Plan your journey and enjoy your stay here; Saudis are now more flexible in terms of norms and traditions, so there will be no problems.
Furthermore, what is pickpocketing? I’ve never witnessed somebody steal from another person in my entire life.