Saudi Arabia has embarked on a huge tourism drive, opening up to travelers eager to explore a previously elusive country. But what about the strict Islamic laws?
Photo © Getty Images/orhandurgut
At a Glance:
- 66 countries can apply for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia.
- There are laws regarding alcohol, drugs, pornography, illegal imports, certain online activity, and same-sex relationships that could have strict penalties.
- Modest dress is advised for visitors.
- US State Department Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia (as of July 2026): Level 3 for most of the country, but Level 4 for the Yemen border region, due to the risk of Iranian aggression, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity.
Before you start booking your trip to Saudi Arabia, find out about visas, local laws and customs, restrictions on what you can and can't do, and safety tips for women and LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Tourist visas for travel to Saudi Arabia
- Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia
- Lese majeste
- Restrictions in Saudi Arabia
- Personal ID
- Safety tips for women travelers
- LGBTQ+ travelers
Tourist visas for travel to Saudi Arabia
It has never been easier to apply for a visa. Members of 66 nations, including the USA, Australia, and most of Europe, can apply for an e-visa online. The e-visa for tourists is valid for one year, for multiple entries of a maximum stay of 90 days each. If you cannot find your country of residence listed on its e-visa website, contact the Saudi Arabian embassy for more information.
Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia
The official system of law in Saudi Arabia is Sharia, which literally means ‘the path to water’. Sharia law has developed from holy scriptures, such as the Qur’an, Islam’s Holy Book, and the Sunnah, the sayings, and records of the Prophet Muhammad. It is as much law, as a guide to moral behavior. While many people balk at Sharia law, it has to be stressed that as a tourist, visitor, or even expatriate, you are very unlikely to ever fall foul of the law, unless you really choose to ignore the local culture and laws.
Under the forward-thinking rule of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, known as MbS, and Saudi’s 2030 Vision, the formerly feared religious police, or Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), has today been stripped of most of its powers; flogging has been outlawed, and women given rights to travel alone, drive cars, and work freely.
For visitors, the law has eased to an extend that tourists do not have to cover up, although modest dress (covering shoulders and below the knee for both men and women) is advised. In hotels, even non-married tourists are allowed to share rooms, and single female travelers are welcomed, and are free to travel throughout the country.
Missionary behavior, such as preaching a religion other than Islam, is considered a crime in Saudi Arabia. Yet, there has been talks about building a church for Christian worship within the mega-development of Neom in the future. Travelers are allowed to bring a religious text, such as a Bible, into the country, but for personal use only.
Lese majeste
Publicly criticizing the King, the royal family, or the government of Saudi Arabia, is against the law, as is posting any criticism of Saudi Arabia’s law, policies, or behavior on social media platforms. Even if you post negative comments when you're not in Saudi Arabia, you could still be held liable. This even includes just liking someone else's comment that is critical of the Saudi government, its leaders, policies or religion. People have been sentenced to 45 years in prison because of social media posts. Make sure you delete anything that could be considered controversial before you travel to Saudi Arabia.
Criticism of the flag of Saudi Arabia is considered insulting, as it bears the Islamic declaration of faith. Descecration of any other inappropriate use of the flag can lead to serious punishment.
Restrictions in Saudi Arabia
Alcohol
Alcohol has been illegal in Saudi Arabia since 1952. However, one liquor store opened in Riyadh in 2024. It's important to note that the U.S. embassy still states that alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can result in jail sentences or death.
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, the date of which changes every year by around 10 days, it is respectful to avoid eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum, between sunrise and sunset hours in public. Most restaurants are closed during the day, but many open after the sun goes down.
Drugs
Personal use, trafficking, or smuggling drugs in Saudi Arabia is illegal and punishment can include the death penalty. If you are bringing medication with you, check ahead of time to see if it is a prescription medication that needs prior approval.
Imports
Beyond the general importation ban of illegal drugs and weapons, alcohol, pork, and pornography are also expressly prohibited.
Pornography is widely defined and may include publications such as women’s fashion magazines if models are shown in undergarmets or swimsuits. On occasion, portable media devices can be seized for inspection by authorities, and you may lose your device if it has anything deemed to be forbidden on it.
Photography
Taking photos in Saudi Arabia can be a touchy subject. Avoid taking pictures of government or military facilities.
If you wish to take pictures of locals, and especially of women, simply ask. Many are more than happy to pose for an interested traveler, just do not attempt to do it sneakily, as that might just upset the wrong person.
Personal ID
Always carry your identification with you at all times. Saudi authorities reserve the right to check your identification, and this is a common occurrence especially if you are passing through security checkpoints.
Safety tips for women travelers
Female travelers can wear moderate clothing, which covers shoulders and ends below the knees in Jeddah, Riyadh, and tourist hot spots such as AlUla. If exploring more remote areas, you might feel more comfortable wearing a loose abaya, the long, flowing robe, typically black, but available and worn in many colors.
Neither local women nor female travelers have to cover their head, even if many choose to do so. It’s a simple and good idea to carry a scarf and abaya in your bag, for occasions where you might feel a little underdressed.
Women travelers can hire cars, and drive without a male chaperone. Despite the obvious separation of genders in many places, travelers have reported that locals are attentive, welcoming and go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and safe.
That said, lone female travelers are always at risk to some extent, whichever country they are in, and common-sense precautions should always be taken.
Find out more about important dress code laws and etiquette on the Visit Saudi website.
LGBTQ+ travelers
This is one issue where Saudi Arabia has not relaxed the laws, and LGBTQ+ relationships and transgender expression are illegal. Punishments can be severe.
Public displays of affection are not recommended, and this is particularly important for same-sex couples. Act modestly and respectfully. Discretion is everything.
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