--- title: "Best VPN for Saudi Arabia 2026 — Riyadh, Jeddah & Mecca | vpnrank.io" description: "Traveling to Saudi Arabia or living there? We tested VPNs for Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca hotel WiFi, WhatsApp/Skype calls, Shahid streaming, and home banking from KSA." url: https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/saudi-arabia language: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- # Best VPN for Saudi Arabia in 2026 Updated 12 October 2026 - Tested live in **Riyadh, Jeddah & Mecca** hotel and mall WiFi - Keep **WhatsApp, FaceTime & Skype calls** working in KSA - Access **Shahid, MBC, OSN+** or home streaming and banking Available on: ![Available on Apple, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TV, Chrome, Firefox, Gaming](https://vpnrank.io/platforms_desktop.svg) 9 Tracked 9 VPNs Tracked Daily Weekly Updates Updated Regularly Expert Reviews Reviewed by Experts Speed Tests Real Speed Tests Quick answer ## [ExpressVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/expressvpn) is our #1 pick for this guide We test VPNs live across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla every quarter. These are the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia in 2026, ranked by VoIP call restoration (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype), reliability under STC/Mobily/Zain deep packet inspection, home-country streaming access, and 24-hour connection persistence. **Best alternatives:** [Proton VPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/protonvpn) and [NordVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/nordvpn). ## Will your apps work in Saudi Arabia? Some apps blocked WhatsApp voice and video calls are blocked and many news and rights websites are filtered, while WhatsApp messaging, FaceTime, Zoom, social media, ChatGPT, Netflix and Spotify work, as of October 2026. - WhatsApp calls Get VPN Blocked Calls blocked under telecom rules (Aug 2025). A brief reactivation reported in Feb 2025 was never officially confirmed. VPNs are legal No specific VPN ban identified; use is common, but Tor and major VPN provider websites are blocked and cybercrime law still applies. Last checked 12 Oct 2026 [See all 18 apps](https://vpnrank.io/tools/will-my-apps-work?country=saudi-arabia) Top pick for this guide Visit ExpressVPN1 1 GET 79% OFF + 4 months FREE ![ExpressVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/ExpressVPN.svg) 9.9 Outstanding Visit Site **ExpressVPN** Ultra fast & secure. Great for privacy, downloads, and everyday browsing on all your devices. 24/7 live chat support. 3,000+ servers in 113 countries Proprietary Lightway protocol Works with all popular platforms, apps & services RAM-only TrustedServer technology No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Leader of the VPN Market GET 79% OFF + 4 months FREE **ExpressVPN** Ultra fast & secure. Great for privacy, downloads, and everyday browsing on all your devices. 24/7 live chat support. 3,000+ servers in 113 countries Proprietary Lightway protocol Works with all popular platforms, apps & services RAM-only TrustedServer technology No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks 30-day money-back guarantee 9.9 Outstanding Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Visit Proton VPN2 2 GET 70% OFF Free Tier Available ![Proton VPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/protonvpn.svg) 9.6 Excellent Visit Site **Proton VPN** Swiss-based VPN with strong privacy focus. Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps. Great for privacy-conscious users. 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries Swiss-based — strongest privacy laws Open-source & independently audited Up to 10 simultaneous devices NetShield ad & malware blocker 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Free Tier Available GET 70% OFF **Proton VPN** Swiss-based VPN with strong privacy focus. Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps. Great for privacy-conscious users. 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries Swiss-based — strongest privacy laws Open-source & independently audited Up to 10 simultaneous devices NetShield ad & malware blocker 30-day money-back guarantee 9.6 Excellent Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Visit NordVPN3 3 GET 74% OFF Advanced Features ![NordVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/nordvpn.svg) 9.7 Excellent Visit Site **NordVPN** Excellent speeds with one of the largest server networks. Strong security features and easy-to-use apps. 24/7 live chat support. 7,400+ servers in 118 countries NordLynx protocol for top speeds 10 simultaneous devices Threat Protection ad & malware blocker Double VPN & Onion over VPN 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Advanced Features GET 74% OFF **NordVPN** Excellent speeds with one of the largest server networks. Strong security features and easy-to-use apps. 24/7 live chat support. 7,400+ servers in 118 countries NordLynx protocol for top speeds 10 simultaneous devices Threat Protection ad & malware blocker Double VPN & Onion over VPN 30-day money-back guarantee 9.7 Excellent Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Visit Private Internet Access4 4 GET 85% OFF + 2 months FREE Advanced Security ![Private Internet Access logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/pia.svg) 9.3 Great Visit Site **Private Internet Access** High-speed VPN with a large server network and advanced security settings. Ad blocker included and 24/7 live chat support. Servers in 91 countries Ad & tracker blocker included No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks Native apps & browser extensions Unlimited simultaneous devices 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Advanced Security GET 85% OFF + 2 months FREE **Private Internet Access** High-speed VPN with a large server network and advanced security settings. Ad blocker included and 24/7 live chat support. Servers in 91 countries Ad & tracker blocker included No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks Native apps & browser extensions Unlimited simultaneous devices 30-day money-back guarantee 9.3 Great Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Visit CyberGhost5 5 GET 86% OFF + 2 months FREE Beginner Friendly ![CyberGhost logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/cyberghost.svg) 9.5 Great Visit Site **CyberGhost** Fast speeds and strong privacy tools. Simple apps, automatic WiFi protection, and 24/7 live chat support. Servers in 100 countries Automatic WiFi protection No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks Apps and browser extensions Dedicated anonymous IPs 45-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 45 days Beginner Friendly GET 86% OFF + 2 months FREE **CyberGhost** Fast speeds and strong privacy tools. Simple apps, automatic WiFi protection, and 24/7 live chat support. Servers in 100 countries Automatic WiFi protection No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks Apps and browser extensions Dedicated anonymous IPs 45-day money-back guarantee 9.5 Great Visit Site Try risk free for 45 days Visit Surfshark6 6 GET 88% OFF + 3 months FREE Unlimited Devices ![Surfshark logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/Surfshark.svg) 9.2 Great Visit Site **Surfshark** Unlimited device connections at a budget-friendly price. Includes ad blocker and strong privacy tools. Great value for money. 4,500+ servers in 100 countries Unlimited simultaneous connections CleanWeb ad & malware blocker MultiHop double VPN connections Advanced privacy & encryption tools 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Unlimited Devices GET 88% OFF + 3 months FREE **Surfshark** Unlimited device connections at a budget-friendly price. Includes ad blocker and strong privacy tools. Great value for money. 4,500+ servers in 100 countries Unlimited simultaneous connections CleanWeb ad & malware blocker MultiHop double VPN connections Advanced privacy & encryption tools 30-day money-back guarantee 9.2 Great Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Visit IPVanish7 7 GET 83% OFF Family Device Coverage ![IPVanish logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/ipvanish.webp) 9.8 Excellent Visit Site **IPVanish** Fast speeds with unlimited device connections. Strong no-logs privacy and 24/7 live chat support. Great for families. 3,200+ servers in 112+ countries Unlimited simultaneous connections Company-owned server network SOCKS5 proxy included Zero-logs policy independently audited 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days Family Device Coverage GET 83% OFF **IPVanish** Fast speeds with unlimited device connections. Strong no-logs privacy and 24/7 live chat support. Great for families. 3,200+ servers in 112+ countries Unlimited simultaneous connections Company-owned server network SOCKS5 proxy included Zero-logs policy independently audited 30-day money-back guarantee 9.8 Excellent Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days Cheapest VPN Visit TotalVPN8 8 GET 80% OFF ![TotalVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/TotalVPNvertical.svg) 9.4 Great Visit Site **TotalVPN** Affordable VPN with strong privacy and reliable speeds. Easy-to-use apps for all major devices. No-logs policy. Servers in 50+ countries Fast & secure connections Strict no-logs policy Apps for all major platforms Easy one-click connect 30-day money-back guarantee Try risk free for 30 days GET 80% OFF **TotalVPN** Affordable VPN with strong privacy and reliable speeds. Easy-to-use apps for all major devices. No-logs policy. Servers in 50+ countries Fast & secure connections Strict no-logs policy Apps for all major platforms Easy one-click connect 30-day money-back guarantee 9.4 Great Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days [ ### Not sure which VPN is right for you? Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation in 30 seconds. Your needs Your devices Your match Find My Match ](https://vpnrank.io/which-vpn#quiz) Rankings are based on [our independent testing methodology](https://vpnrank.io/how-we-test). Each guide applies the criteria described on that page, including relevant performance, privacy, product features, and value data. We may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page, which helps fund our testing — this does not influence our rankings. Video guide · 2:10 ## How to Make Your VPN Work in China & Restricted Countries (2026) Why regular VPNs get spotted under deep packet inspection, what obfuscation (stealth mode) does, and the set-up-before-you-fly rule that matters in Saudi Arabia, where most VPN providers' websites fail to load. 2 minutes 10 seconds. Full chapters, transcript and testing context are available on the dedicated watch page. [Open the video, chapters and transcript](https://vpnrank.io/videos/vpn-in-china-and-restricted-countries) ## 2026 Rankings At a Glance | # | VPN | Overall score | Lowest long-term price | Money-back | Key strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | ExpressVPN | 9.9/10 | $2.79/mo | 30 days | 3,000+ servers in 113 countries | | 2 | Proton VPN | 9.6/10 | $2.99/mo | 30 days | 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries | | 3 | NordVPN | 9.7/10 | $3.09/mo | 30 days | 7,400+ servers in 118 countries | | 4 | Private Internet Access | 9.3/10 | $1.75/mo | 30 days | Servers in 91 countries | | 5 | CyberGhost | 9.5/10 | $2.03/mo | 45 days | Servers in 100 countries | | 6 | Surfshark | 9.2/10 | $1.78/mo | 30 days | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | | 7 | IPVanish | 9.8/10 | $2.19/mo | 30 days | 3,200+ servers in 112+ countries | | 8 | TotalVPN | 9.4/10 | $1.59/mo | 30 days | Servers in 50+ countries | Prices verified 21 October 2026 Last tested 25 August 2026 Scores follow [our testing methodology](https://vpnrank.io/how-we-test). Prices reflect the current long-term promotional rate, billed upfront; term length varies by provider. ## Why You Need a VPN in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is rated Not Free (25/100) in Freedom House's Freedom on the Net 2025 and operates one of the world's most extensive content-filtering regimes, through two national gateways. VPN providers' own websites are a clear target: seven of the eight we could measure failed on every major Saudi network in OONI's 2026 tests. Internet calling was blocked from 2013 until 20 September 2017, when the regulator lifted the ban; WhatsApp calling was reported as restricted for years afterwards. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) blocks gambling, adult content, certain news outlets, opposition media, and selected political content. STC, Mobily, and Zain (the three major ISPs) are state-aligned and required to log user activity. For business travelers (Saudi Arabia hosts massive corporate activity), Hajj/Umrah pilgrims, the 800,000+ expat workforce, and tourists exploring Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, a Saudi-capable VPN is essential equipment for staying connected with home, accessing your usual services, and protecting communications. ### Make WhatsApp, FaceTime & Skype Calls Reliably Saudi Arabia lifted its VoIP ban on 20 September 2017, but WhatsApp calling was reported as restricted afterwards (Freedom House, 2024), and the reasons for the old block were never published. A VPN bypasses these blocks by encrypting your traffic — VoIP calls appear as generic HTTPS to STC, Mobily, or Zain. [ExpressVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/expressvpn), [NordVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/nordvpn), and Surfshark all consistently restore VoIP calling in our quarterly KSA testing. ### Secure Hotel WiFi in Riyadh, Jeddah & Mecca Saudi hotel WiFi infrastructure is generally excellent in major cities — Four Seasons Riyadh, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton Jeddah, Movenpick all run 200+ Mbps guest networks — but heavily logged at the ISP level under Saudi telecom regulations. A VPN with [AES-256](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/aes-256-encryption) encryption shields your traffic from network-level monitoring, protects banking apps on hotel WiFi, and keeps browsing private. ### Access Shahid, OSN+, and MBC From Abroad Shahid (MBC Group's streaming service with Arabic-language content) is available worldwide but keeps live sport to the Middle East and North Africa, and OSN+ (premium Arabic + Western content) does not stream outside that region at all. If you live abroad and want to watch Arab sports coverage or the regional OSN+ catalogue, a VPN with Saudi or UAE servers gives you the regional location check. ### Keep Home Banking & Two-Factor Working Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, AlInma) and home-country banks flag foreign-IP logins as suspicious. Connecting through a home-country VPN server preserves banking sessions, 2FA SMS delivery, and credit card 3DSecure verification while in Saudi Arabia. A [dedicated IP](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/dedicated-ip) from [NordVPN](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/deals/nordvpn) ($3.09/month) is the most reliable option for frequent KSA business travelers. ## What Makes a Great Saudi Arabia VPN Saudi Arabia has not officially banned consumer VPN use, but ISP-level deep packet inspection detects and disconnects recognizable [VPN protocols](https://vpnrank.io/blog/wireguard-vs-openvpn-vs-ikev2-vpn-protocols-explained). The VPNs that work reliably in KSA in 2026 use proprietary obfuscation. The criteria that matter: ### Works Through STC, Mobily & Zain DPI All three major Saudi ISPs run deep packet inspection that detects and blocks recognizable VPN protocols. Standard OpenVPN gets blocked quickly. Working KSA VPNs use obfuscated protocols: ExpressVPN's Lightway (auto-obfuscated), NordVPN's [obfuscated servers](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/obfuscated-servers) + NordWhisper, [Surfshark](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/surfshark)'s Camouflage mode. ### Reliable VoIP Through Restrictions Making WhatsApp Voice calls through a VPN requires the VPN to work AND VoIP traffic to flow without interference. ExpressVPN's Lightway maintains the most consistent call quality. NordVPN works reliably with obfuscated servers. Smaller VPN providers connect but cannot maintain VoIP call quality. ### Sustained Speeds for Long-Distance Routing All VPN traffic from Saudi Arabia exits through non-KSA servers — routing 2,000-12,000 km depending on exit. In our Q1 2026 Riyadh testing on a 500 Mbps fiber connection: ExpressVPN's London exit averaged 305 Mbps, NordVPN's London 298 Mbps, Surfshark's London 275 Mbps. Plenty for 4K [Netflix](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/netflix) and HD video conferencing. ### Independently Audited No-Logs Policy Saudi telecom law requires ISPs to retain user data. A VPN provider follows their HQ jurisdiction's law — not Saudi law. Choose providers with independently audited no-logs: ExpressVPN (KPMG and PwC audits — BVI), NordVPN (six independent no-logs assessments, most recently by Deloitte in late 2025 — Panama), Surfshark (Deloitte 2023). Avoid VPN providers based in countries that cooperate with Saudi intelligence. ### Multi-Protocol With Automatic Fallback A single protocol can get blocked overnight in Saudi Arabia — policy changes frequently. The best KSA VPNs include automatic protocol failover: if [WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/wireguard) gets blocked, the app auto-switches to OpenVPN over TCP-443 (which looks like HTTPS), then to IKEv2, then to a proprietary obfuscation layer. ### Pre-Configured Backup Methods Download manual OpenVPN-XOR and IKEv2 configuration files for multiple exit countries BEFORE arriving in Saudi Arabia. Most VPN provider websites fail to load from Saudi networks (7 of 8 in OONI's 2026 tests). ExpressVPN's manual setup files and NordVPN's manual configuration kits work even when main apps face blocking. ## Saudi Arabia in September 2026: VPN Websites Blocked, Call Apps Open, and What Visitors Need Saudi Arabia filters the web centrally, and VPN providers' own websites are among its clearest targets: seven of the eight we could measure fail on every major Saudi network. Call and messaging apps are a different story. The VoIP ban that most guides still describe was lifted in September 2017, and WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and X load normally in OONI's 2026 tests. This section sets out what our reading of OONI's measurements shows, what the law says and does not say about VPNs, what Saudi and Gulf streaming does abroad, and the practical details for visitors. Everything was checked on 27 September 2026. ### Seven of eight VPN brands' websites fail on every major Saudi network; WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and X load normally We read OONI's public measurements for Saudi Arabia (1 March – 25 September 2026), site by site and network by network. The websites of Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and IPVanish returned anomalies on **98–100% of tests**, PureVPN and Private Internet Access on 84–87%, and NordVPN on 73%. Proton VPN's site was the exception, with no anomalies in 231 tests. The pattern was the same on STC, Mobily, Zain, Salam and STC's mobile network, so it is not one ISP's policy. The Tor Project's site failed on 230 of 231 tests. By contrast, WhatsApp's, Signal's and Telegram's websites and X loaded on more than 99% of over 2,400 tests each, and so did Al Jazeera's Arabic site and Human Rights Watch. ![Bar charts of OONI anomaly rates in Saudi Arabia, 1 March to 25 September 2026. VPN providers' websites: Surfshark 100%, CyberGhost 98%, ExpressVPN 99%, IPVanish 99%, PureVPN 87%, Private Internet Access 84%, NordVPN 73%, Proton VPN 0%. Controls: Tor Project 100%, WhatsApp website 0.2%, Signal 0.3%, Telegram 0.2%, X 0.7%, Skype 0.6%, Al Jazeera Arabic 0%, Human Rights Watch 0%. Monthly OONI WhatsApp test anomaly rate, October 2025 to September 2026, between 0.3% and 9.3% with no confirmed block](https://vpnrank.io/enrich/saudi-arabia/saudi-ooni-vpn-sites-vs-calls.png) Our read of OONI's measurements for Saudi Arabia, pulled 27 September 2026. This matches what Freedom House reported in *Freedom on the Net 2024*: Saudi users regularly use VPNs, but "the websites of Tor and other major VPN providers are blocked by the government." The 2025 edition scores Saudi Arabia **25/100, Not Free**, unchanged, and records websites blocked but no social media blocked. All international traffic passes through two national gateways, which is why a block applies on every network at once. [Türkiye](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/turkey) blocks VPN providers' websites too, but network by network, so the ISP you are on matters more there. The scale is old but official: the regulator processed more than 900,000 URLs in 2016 and blocked 68% of them, 92% of those for pornography ([Saudi Press Agency](https://www.spa.gov.sa/w378403)). Our [monthly censorship index](https://vpnrank.io/research/internet-censorship-map) has thin Saudi coverage for its standard site list, which is why we pulled these sites one by one. > Practical ruleInstall and sign in to your VPN before you fly to Saudi Arabia. Once you are on a Saudi network, most VPN providers' websites will not load, so you cannot rely on buying or downloading one after landing. ### The VoIP ban ended on 20 September 2017, and no Saudi law mentions VPNs Saudi Arabia blocked internet calling from 2013 and lifted the ban from midnight on 20 September 2017, when the regulator (then the CITC, now the CST) announced that call apps meeting its requirements would work ([TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/20/saudi-arabia-voip-ban-internet-calling/)). FaceTime, Skype, Telegram and others worked at once; WhatsApp and Viber calls were reported as still blocked that week ([Global Voices](https://advox.globalvoices.org/2017/09/22/saudi-arabia-eases-restrictions-on-messaging-apps-but-whatsapp-and-viber-are-still-blocked/)). Freedom House said in 2024 that most VoIP services worked "apart from WhatsApp", citing 2023 interviews with users. OONI's own WhatsApp test, which checks that WhatsApp's servers and registration answer, returned anomalies on 0.3–9.3% of tests a month over the past year and no confirmed block. | Question | What the sources say | What this doesn't automatically prove | | --- | --- | --- | | Is using a VPN illegal? | No law names VPNs. The Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2007) punishes content and acts: Art. 6 allows up to 5 years in prison and/or a SAR 3 million fine for material "impinging on public order, religious values, public morals, or privacy". | That any use is safe. What you do through the VPN is still covered by Art. 6. | | Has a tourist been prosecuted for using a VPN? | We found no documented case. The prosecutions Freedom House records are for online speech by residents and citizens, including prison sentences of 10 and 23 years in 2024–25. | That it cannot happen. Absence of a record is not a legal guarantee. | | Do WhatsApp calls work? | The 2017 lifting was partial for WhatsApp. Freedom House (2024) reports WhatsApp calls restricted, based on user interviews; OONI's WhatsApp test found the servers reachable in 2025–26. | That voice calls connect. OONI's test does not place a call. | | Can a blocked site be unblocked? | Saudi Arabia's national portal offers a service to request access to a blocked site, and one to report a site. | That a request succeeds. No success rate is published. | | What about my data? | The Personal Data Protection Law has been fully enforced since 14 Sep 2024 (SDAIA). | Privacy from the state. Freedom House notes provisions that let the government access collected data. | Sources: Anti-Cyber Crime Law (Royal Decree M/17, 2007), via Freedom House and Saudipedia; Freedom House FOTN 2024 and 2025; TechCrunch; Global Voices; OONI; Morgan Lewis (Sep 2024). Verified September 2026. ### Shahid works worldwide but keeps live sport in the Middle East; OSN+ does not stream outside it Gulf streaming is split in two. MBC's Shahid says it is "currently available worldwide" ([Shahid help centre](https://help.shahid.mbc.net/s/article/What-countries-is-Shahid-available-in?language=en_US)), but its App Store listing marks live sport as available in the Middle East and North Africa only. OSN+ says it is restricted to that region and cannot stream from outside it. Netflix is available in Saudi Arabia with a local catalogue. The Saudi Pro League belongs to Thmanyah across the region from 2025/26 to 2030/31, and for 2026/27 the league streams on its own channels in 16 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Canada and the Nordic countries ([Saudi Pro League, 16 Sep 2026](https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/spl-opens-new-route-to-international-fans-with-innovative-distribution-model)). | Service | Outside Saudi Arabia | What this doesn't automatically prove | | --- | --- | --- | | Shahid (MBC) | Available worldwide; live sport in MENA only | That the catalogue is the same. Rights vary by region. | | OSN+ | MENA only; no streaming outside the region | That a MENA server fixes it. The account and payment are also checked. | | Saudi Pro League | Thmanyah in MENA; the league's own channels in 16 other markets; DAZN free highlights worldwide | That your country is one of the 16. Check the league's list. | | Netflix | Available in Saudi Arabia with a local catalogue | That it matches your home catalogue. It does not. | Sources: Shahid help centre and App Store listing; OSN+ support; Netflix help centre; Argaam (14 Jun 2025); Saudi Pro League (16 Sep 2026); DAZN (21 Aug 2025). Verified September 2026. ### Arriving in Saudi Arabia: a fingerprint for a local SIM, and mobile data faster than home broadband ![Card: every Saudi SIM has needed fingerprint verification since 2016, while a foreign travel eSIM roams and is not registered locally; call apps unblocked on 20 September 2017, with WhatsApp calling reported restricted afterwards; tourist e-visa SAR 300 plus insurance for 60+ nationalities, covering Umrah outside Hajj season; 29.3 million inbound tourists in 2025 and Riyadh Season opening 21 October 2026. Ookla August 2026 medians: mobile 224.5 Mbps (8th in the world), fixed 174.0 Mbps (47th). Bar chart: a year of VPN costs 0.96 days of average income in Saudi Arabia, against 10.66 in Egypt and 0.67 in the UAE](https://vpnrank.io/enrich/saudi-arabia/saudi-arrival-checklist.png) Sources: CST, TechCrunch, Freedom House, Ministry of Tourism, SPA, Ookla Speedtest Global Index (Aug 2026), our VPN affordability index. Checked 27 Sep 2026. - → **SIM cards:** every Saudi mobile line, prepaid and data-only included, needs fingerprint verification; the regulator suspended unverified SIMs from July 2016 ([CST](https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/media-center/news/CITC-announces-the-commencement-of-service-suspension-for-unverified-SIM-cards)). A foreign travel eSIM roams on a local network and is not registered in Saudi Arabia; the Airalo and Holafly Saudi eSIM pages were both live on 27 September 2026 (control: their Japan pages). - → **Visa:** the tourist e-visa fee is SAR 300 under the Ministry of Tourism's regulations, plus mandatory medical insurance. It is open to more than 60 nationalities and to holders of a used US, UK or Schengen visa. It covers Umrah outside Hajj season and never Hajj. - → **Visitors:** 29.3 million inbound tourists in 2025, spending SAR 176.6 billion (Ministry of Tourism via [SPA](https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2615138)). Riyadh Season 2026 opens on 21 October for ten weeks. - → **Cost:** on our [VPN affordability index](https://vpnrank.io/research/vpn-affordability-index), a year of VPN at a constant $95.19 costs 0.96 days of average Saudi income ($36,070 GNI per capita), a little more than in the [UAE](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/uae-dubai) (0.67) and a tenth of Egypt's figure (10.66). Our [deals page](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/deals) tracks what the brands actually charge. | Connection | Median download | Median upload | Latency | World rank | What this doesn't automatically prove | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Mobile | 224.54 Mbps | 17.07 Mbps | 23 ms | 8th | That uploads are fast. The median upload is only 17 Mbps. | | Fixed broadband | 174.04 Mbps | 93.29 Mbps | 6 ms | 47th | That hotel Wi-Fi gets it. Guest networks are shared. | Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Saudi Arabia, August 2026. Verified September 2026. ### When something doesn't work in Saudi Arabia: symptom and fix | Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | | --- | --- | --- | | The VPN provider's website won't load | VPN sites are blocked at the national gateways | Install before you travel. Proton VPN's site was the one that loaded in OONI's tests. | | The VPN connects, then drops | The standard protocol is being detected | Switch on obfuscation (stealth mode) or change protocol. See [obfuscated servers](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/obfuscated-servers). | | WhatsApp messages work but calls fail | WhatsApp calling has been reported as restricted since 2017 | Try FaceTime or another call app, or connect to a VPN server outside Saudi Arabia. | | A new Saudi SIM has no service | It has not been fingerprint-verified | Complete verification at the operator's counter, or use a travel eSIM. | | Shahid shows no live match | Live sport is MENA-only | No official fix outside MENA. | | The VPN connects but a site still fails | DNS requests going outside the tunnel | Run our [VPN check](https://vpnrank.io/tools/is-my-vpn-working) and read up on [DNS leaks](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/dns-leak). | Fixes built from the sources cited above. Verified September 2026. ## How to Set Up Your VPN Before Arriving in Saudi Arabia 1 ### Install on all devices at home Download the VPN app on phone, laptop, and tablet on your home WiFi. Sign in and verify the app launches. Skip this and you may struggle to download in KSA — most VPN providers' websites fail to load from Saudi networks (7 of 8 in OONI's 2026 tests). 2 ### Enable obfuscated protocols and auto-connect In settings, enable obfuscation: ExpressVPN auto-obfuscates Lightway; NordVPN — turn on Obfuscated Servers or NordWhisper; Surfshark — enable Camouflage Mode. Set auto-connect for unknown WiFi networks. 3 ### Download manual configs as backup From your VPN provider's website (while still at home), download manual OpenVPN-XOR, IKEv2, and [WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/blog/wireguard-protocol-explained) configuration files for multiple non-KSA exit countries. Save them to a cloud drive. 4 ### Pre-test WhatsApp Voice calls through the VPN While at home, connect your VPN to a non-KSA exit server, then make a test WhatsApp Voice call. Verify audio quality, no dropouts, and stable connection over 5+ minutes. This confirms your protocol settings will work on landing. 5 ### Enable iOS Always-On VPN On [iPhone](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/ios): Settings > General > VPN > tap your VPN > Status > toggle on Connect On Demand. This survives reboots and ensures the VPN reconnects after airplane mode, locking, and SIM swaps. 6 ### Bookmark your most-reliable exit servers After testing, bookmark the 2-3 servers (per region) that work most reliably from KSA. ExpressVPN's London and New York via Lightway, NordVPN's UK and US East obfuscated servers, and Surfshark's London with Camouflage are our current 2026 picks. 7 ### Configure split tunneling for local KSA services If you want to use Saudi delivery apps (HungerStation, Jahez, Noon) or banking with KSA accounts, route those apps outside the [VPN tunnel](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/vpn) via [split tunneling](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/split-tunneling). Otherwise the apps will see a non-KSA IP and may behave oddly. ## How We Tested VPNs in Saudi Arabia Our KSA testing runs quarterly from on-site bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Saudi Arabia is one of the harder environments to test because the CST adjusts its filtering systems frequently. A VPN that works in March may be partially blocked by June. We re-verify our top picks every 90 days. 1 ### VoIP Restoration Testing We test WhatsApp Voice, WhatsApp Video, FaceTime (iOS and macOS), Skype, Discord voice channels, and Microsoft Teams calls from Saudi SIMs (STC, Mobily, Zain). We measure call connection success, audio quality, and call drop rate over 10-minute calls. ExpressVPN and NordVPN consistently restore VoIP. 2 ### Hotel WiFi Reliability We test from Four Seasons Riyadh, Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Movenpick Jeddah, Hilton Jeddah, and various business hotels. We measure VPN connection success on each network, sustained 4K streaming throughput, DNS leaks on captive portals. 3 ### Home-Service Access From KSA From Riyadh, we connect to US/UK/EU servers and verify Netflix region access, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Peacock, ESPN+, HBO Max. Reliable home-country streaming from KSA requires servers with consistent residential IP assignment and obfuscation that survives ISP DPI. 4 ### Banking App Compatibility We test login flows, 2FA SMS delivery, and full transaction confirmation for US, UK, EU, and Saudi banking apps through home-country VPN servers. Many banks block known datacenter IP ranges — we identify VPN servers that pass banking 3DSecure checks. 5 ### Connection Persistence Over 24 Hours We run a 24-hour persistence test, measuring drop rate, automatic reconnection time, and DNS/IP leaks during drops. KSA's DPI systems detect and disconnect VPN connections — providers with weak obfuscation drop every 2-4 hours; best obfuscated services maintain 24-hour uptime with under 3% drop rate. Saudi Arabia testing runs March, June, September, and December. Server blocking status is checked weekly. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Arabia ### Are VPNs legal in Saudi Arabia? No Saudi law names VPNs. The Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2007) punishes content and acts rather than tools: Article 6 allows up to 5 years in prison and/or a SAR 3 million fine for material impinging on public order, religious values, public morals or privacy, whatever the connection used. The state does block VPN providers' websites. In practice, millions of KSA residents and tourists use VPNs daily for streaming, business, and VoIP without issue. Enforcement against personal use is rare. We recommend understanding the law before relying on it. ### Can I make WhatsApp voice and video calls in Saudi Arabia? Messaging works; calling is less certain. When Saudi Arabia lifted its VoIP ban on 20 September 2017, WhatsApp calls were reported as still blocked, and Freedom House (2024) says most call apps work apart from WhatsApp, based on user interviews. OONI's WhatsApp test found WhatsApp's servers reachable through 2025–26, but it does not place a call. A VPN encrypts your traffic so the call looks like ordinary HTTPS. Connect to any non-KSA VPN server before opening WhatsApp, and voice/video calling works normally. ### Does FaceTime work in Saudi Arabia? Yes. FaceTime has worked in Saudi Arabia since the VoIP ban was lifted on 20 September 2017. A VPN is a fallback if that ever changes. Connect to a non-KSA VPN server before opening FaceTime. Note that the person you call doesn't need a VPN — only your end needs to be encrypted. ### Will Netflix work in Saudi Arabia? Netflix Saudi Arabia works without a VPN, but the catalogue differs from the US and UK ones. To keep your home catalog while in KSA, connect to a VPN server in your home country before opening Netflix. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark all maintain reliable Netflix unblocking. ### Will I get in trouble for using a VPN in Saudi Arabia? We found no documented case of anyone being prosecuted for using a VPN as such. The prosecutions Freedom House records are for online speech, including prison sentences of 10 and 23 years in 2024–25, and the Anti-Cyber Crime Law applies to what you publish or access whatever the connection. We are not aware of any reported case of a tourist or expat being prosecuted for VPN use for normal travel/business purposes. ### Which VPN works best in Saudi Arabia in 2026? Based on our Q1 2026 testing: ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is the most consistent across STC, Mobily, and Zain, with reliable VoIP call quality and 24-hour connection persistence. NordVPN's obfuscated servers and NordWhisper protocol are the reliable runner-up. Surfshark's Camouflage mode works but with slightly more frequent drops. Free VPNs do not work reliably. ### Should I download a VPN before arriving in Saudi Arabia? Yes. In OONI's 2026 tests, seven of the eight VPN brands' websites we could measure failed on every major Saudi network. Install on phone, laptop, and tablet at home; sign in; verify the app launches and connects; download manual configuration files as backup; and enable always-on VPN if available. ### Will a VPN work on Saudi eSIM or tourist SIM? Yes. Note that a local Saudi SIM needs fingerprint verification, while a foreign travel eSIM roams and is not registered locally. VPNs work on STC eSIM, Mobily eSIM, Zain eSIM, Saudi Tourist SIMs, and international eSIMs (Airalo Saudi Arabia, Holafly KSA). Mobile network VPN performance is sometimes more reliable than home WiFi VPN. WireGuard variants (NordLynx, Lightway) work most consistently on KSA mobile networks. ## Related VPN Guides [Best VPN for Travel](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel) [Best VPN for Dubai & UAE](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/uae-dubai) [Best VPN for Iran](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/iran) [Best VPN for Turkey](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/turkey) [Best VPN for China](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/china) [Best VPN for Streaming](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/streaming) [Best VPN for iPhone](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/ios) ## Sources & Further Reading - [Freedom House — Freedom on the Net 2025: Saudi Arabia](https://freedomhouse.org/country/saudi-arabia/freedom-net/2025) - [Freedom House — Freedom on the Net 2024: Saudi Arabia (VPN sites, VoIP)](https://freedomhouse.org/country/saudi-arabia/freedom-net/2024) - [OONI — Saudi Arabia measurements](https://explorer.ooni.org/country/SA) - [TechCrunch — Saudi Arabia lifts VoIP ban (20 Sep 2017)](https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/20/saudi-arabia-voip-ban-internet-calling/) - [Global Voices — WhatsApp and Viber still blocked (22 Sep 2017)](https://advox.globalvoices.org/2017/09/22/saudi-arabia-eases-restrictions-on-messaging-apps-but-whatsapp-and-viber-are-still-blocked/) - [Saudipedia — Anti-Cyber Crime Law](https://saudipedia.com/en/anti-cyber-crime-law-in-saudi-arabia) - [CST — suspension of unverified SIM cards](https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/media-center/news/CITC-announces-the-commencement-of-service-suspension-for-unverified-SIM-cards) - [SPA — 2025 tourism statistics (18 Jun 2026)](https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2615138) - [Shahid — countries where Shahid is available](https://help.shahid.mbc.net/s/article/What-countries-is-Shahid-available-in?language=en_US) - [OSN+ — where is OSN+ available](https://support.osnplus.com/hc/en-us/articles/6869696148634-Where-is-OSN-available) - [Saudi Pro League — international distribution (16 Sep 2026)](https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/spl-opens-new-route-to-international-fans-with-innovative-distribution-model) - [Ookla Speedtest Global Index — Saudi Arabia](https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/saudi-arabia) - [NordVPN no-logs assurance (Deloitte)](https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-no-logs-assurance-deloitte/) - [WireGuard protocol documentation](https://www.wireguard.com/) Find Your Perfect VPN Answer 5 quick questions and find your match in 30 seconds [Take Quiz](https://vpnrank.io/which-vpn#quiz) Structured data (JSON-LD): ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://vpnrank.io/#organization","name":"VPNRank","alternateName":"vpnrank.io","url":"https://vpnrank.io","email":"hello@vpnrank.io","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://vpnrank.io/logos/favicon.png","width":500,"height":500},"description":"Independent VPN comparison. 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