Saudi Arabia
Opening up to tourism, but rooted in Islamic tradition and law.
Public conduct, dress, and behaviour are governed by Sharia. When in doubt, be conservative.
Strictly Prohibited
Possession or consumption of alcohol — flogging, jail, deportation.
Drug offences — death penalty for trafficking; even small amounts at airport mean arrest.
Same-sex relationships — criminalised; severe penalties.
Criticising Islam, the king, or the royal family — including online — is a major crime.
Carrying religious items (Bibles, idols, crosses) for distribution — confiscated and charged.
Photographing women, locals, palaces, mosques, or government buildings — arrest possible.
Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina (city centres).
Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight — applies to all visitors.
Respect prayer times (5x daily) — shops close briefly, don't argue or push staff.
Dress code: long sleeves, ankle-length pants/skirts; women cover shoulders and knees.
Don't use your left hand for greeting, eating, or passing items.
Don't show public affection — even between spouses; holding hands is borderline.
Laws to Know
Alcohol is strictly prohibited — possession, consumption, or smuggling carries jail and deportation.
Drug offences can carry the death penalty — including small amounts at the airport.
Criticising Islam, the royal family, or government on social media is a serious crime.
LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalised — discretion is essential.
Carry your visa and ID at all times; spot-checks are common.
Common Immigration & Visa Mistakes
Using tourist visa for Hajj — separate visa needed.
Carrying alcohol/pork from duty-free — confiscated, jailable.
Bringing Bibles/idols for distribution (personal OK).
Photographing women or palaces — arrest possible.
Overstaying Umrah/work visa — fines + ban.
Not completing mandatory pre-departure medical (work visa).
Penalties for Foreigners
Overstay: SAR 25,000+ fine + ban + jail.
Alcohol possession/consumption: jail + flogging (historically) + deportation.
Drug trafficking: death penalty.
Same-sex relations: jail, flogging, deportation.
Insulting Islam/royal family: jail + heavy fine.
Public displays of affection: arrest + deportation.
Dress & Conduct
Dress modestly — long sleeves, ankle-length pants/skirts. Women no longer need an abaya but should cover shoulders and knees.
Greet locals with 'As-salamu alaykum' and use your right hand.
Don't show public affection — even between spouses. Holding hands is borderline.
Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours.
Religion
Respect prayer times (five daily) — many shops close for 20-30 minutes.
Don't bring Bibles, Hindu idols, or other religious items for public display — keep personal worship private.
Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina city centres.
Photography & Mixing
Mixed-gender public spaces are now common, but follow the lead of locals in conservative areas.
Don't photograph women, locals, or government buildings without explicit permission.
Test what you've learned.
10 quick questions across countries.