What rules do visitors need to know in Saudi Arabia?

What is strictly illegal?

• Alcohol: buying, drinking or bringing it in is illegal. Do not pack it.
• Illegal drugs: penalties are severe and can include the death penalty.
• Pork products: banned from import.
• Relationships: extramarital and same-sex relations are criminal offences.
• Non-Muslim worship in public: keep it private, and do not hand out religious material.

What does the public decency code cover?

Saudi Arabia lists 19 offences with fines reported from SAR 50 to SAR 6000, doubling for repeat offences. They include:

• Immodest clothing, or clothing with offensive words or images
• Public displays of affection
• Photographing or filming people without permission
• Playing music at prayer times
• Littering, spitting, and graffiti

What are the customs limits?

Item	Rule
Cash, gold, jewellery	Declare SAR 60000 or more, arriving or leaving, using the customs form
Medicines	Carry the prescription in original packaging. Controlled drugs may need approval first
Drones	Need registration and approval, or are likely to be held at customs
Vapes	Rules are unclear, so check before you pack them

Can I fly a drone?

Assume not. Reports conflict on whether foreign visitors can get a permit from the civil aviation authority, and unregistered drones are often held at customs. Flying near the holy sites, palaces, airports or military areas is especially serious.

What should I not photograph?

Avoid government buildings, military sites, palaces and security staff. Always ask before photographing people, and women in particular. Inside the holy mosques, keep your phone away during worship and follow staff instructions.

What about the internet?

Some sites are blocked, and online posts fall under the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. Avoid posting content that insults religion, the state or individuals, even from a private account.

Practical basics

Topic	Answer
Electricity	Type G plugs (UK style), 230 V, 60 Hz. Check the label in older buildings
Tap water	Most people drink bottled, which is cheap. Zamzam is freely available at the holy mosques
Smoking	Banned in enclosed public places and near mosques
Weekend	Friday and Saturday
Hotels	Foreign women can check in alone. Foreign couples are generally not asked for a marriage certificate