Traveling Alone Without a Mahram

Question

Is it permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram? Even for a long period (8 months or more)?

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. It is not inherently forbidden for a woman to travel alone. However, if she is married, she cannot leave her home without her husband's permission, as he has the right to prevent her from going out unless it is for fulfilling an obligation or if it contradicts the norms of mutual respect in marriage. According to Ayatollah Sistani, the wife must have her husband's consent to leave, regardless of whether her departure infringes on his rights or not. Similarly, Ayatollah Khamenei states that while it is not forbidden for a woman to travel alone, a wife cannot leave her husband's house without his permission, and the husband cannot prevent her from leaving for a pressing obligation or necessity that cannot be resolved without her departure. May you be successful in all good things.