Saudi Arabia will allow women to obtain passports and travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", ending a longstanding restriction that drew heavy international criticism.
A government ruling, published in the official gazette Umm Al Qura says "a passport will be granted to any Saudi national who submits an application.”
The regulation will be applicable to women over the age of 21, the pro-government Okaz newspaper and other local media reported.
Women in the kingdom have long required permission from their male "guardians" to marry, renew their passports or exit the country.