Tip 1: Do not attempt to bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia — customs …

Do not attempt to bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia — customs inspects luggage and penalties are severe

Tip 2: Avoid posting anything on social media that could be interpr…

Avoid posting anything on social media that could be interpreted as critical of the Saudi government or royal family

Tip 3: Unmarried couples can now share hotel rooms following 2019 r…

Unmarried couples can now share hotel rooms following 2019 reforms, but public displays of affection remain inappropriate

🇸🇦

⚖️Local Laws

How Does Local Laws Work in Saudi Arabia?

Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East

1The Quick Answer

🚨Warning

Alcohol is completely banned, drugs carry the death penalty, LGBT relationships are illegal, and criticizing the royal family is a criminal offense.

2What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia enforces strict laws rooted in Islamic principles. Alcohol is entirely prohibited — possession or consumption anywhere in the country is a criminal offense with zero exceptions. Drug offenses can carry the death penalty. LGBT relationships are illegal. Criticism of the royal family, government, or Islam — including on social media — is prosecutable. Since 2019 Vision 2030 reforms, the abaya is no longer mandatory for foreign women, unmarried couples may share hotel rooms, and entertainment venues have opened widely. However, modesty in dress and behavior remains expected throughout.

3Practical Tips

Practical Tips

1Do not attempt to bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia — customs inspects luggage and penalties are severe
2Avoid posting anything on social media that could be interpreted as critical of the Saudi government or royal family
3Unmarried couples can now share hotel rooms following 2019 reforms, but public displays of affection remain inappropriate

⛔

Important Warning

Drug trafficking and possession carry the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. Even trace amounts found in luggage can result in arrest. Do not carry any controlled substances.

How does this compare?

Local Laws rules in nearby and similar countries:

🇦🇪

UAEWarning

The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.

🇪🇬

EgyptWarning

Drug possession, LGBTQ+ activity, photographing government or military sites, and criticising the president are all serious criminal offences in Egypt.

🇲🇦

MoroccoWarning

Several activities legal elsewhere are criminal offences in Morocco, including same-sex relations, sex outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.