Saudi Arabia allows women to travel without male 'guardian' approval: Govt

Saudi Arabia will allow women to obtain passports and travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a longstanding restriction that drew heavy international criticism.

"A passport will be granted to any Saudi national who submits an application," state newspaper Umm Al Qura quoted a government ruling as saying.

The regulation will be applicable to women over the age of 21, the pro-government Okaz newspaper and other local media reported, citing senior authorities.