Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.
Saudi Arabia
VERIFIED · MAY 202623 ENTRIESMIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia is in Middle East. Review the laws below before your trip. Country pages link to official sources, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.
HEADS UP
Death penalty for drugs. No alcohol. Strict Islamic law. Women must follow dress codes.
DO NOT BRING
Homosexual activity · Alcohol consumption
Medications
4 entriesSubstances
4 entriesItems
4 entriesActivities
5 entriesDigital
4 entriesCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Possession of any alcohol is a criminal offence — the small expat quotas and embassy-only permits do not extend to tourists.
- Public displays of affection between any couple, including married, can lead to questioning and fines.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Tourist visa reforms have eased dress codes in major cities, but Mecca and Medina remain closed to non-Muslims under federal law.
- Mutaween (religious police) powers were curtailed in 2016, but conservative dress and behaviour expectations still apply in public.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Last verified · May 2026
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.