Best VPN for Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ultimate Guide

In this article, we will guide you on how to stay secure using a VPN service in Saudi Arabia and we recommend the best VPN for Saudi Arabia.

Travel opportunities are everywhere. When you go abroad, or you are visiting some foreign country, not very rare; you have online activities in the country you are staying in.

In terms of security is good to know what is the best VPN server for a specific country. It is secure to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data and keep them safe. 

As a reminder, VPN is a method that provides data encryption. This tool provides a secure connection between a device and a server network, or between two networks, using an insecure communication medium such as the public Internet.

Hackers worldwide expect you to connect to suspicious public wi-fi networks. We recommend using VPN; it is safe to use.

If you are using VPN, you are using a method to encrypt your data.  You should always have a list of the best VPNs when you are abroad. 

Maybe visiting Saudi Arabia is not on your list, but it is always useful to know how to choose and protect your online privacy.

In this article, we will guide you on how to stay secure using a VPN service in case you are traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Are VPNs legal in Saudi Arabia?

Many countries, such as Belarus, China, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Russia, and the U.A.E, restrict the usage of VPNs, or they outright completely.

This is not the case with Saudi Arabia. If you travel to Saudi Arabia, it is good to know that although the government of Saudi Arabia blocks access to many VPN providers’ websites and servers, using a VPN is not illegal in Saudi Arabia.

In Saudi Arabia, VPNs are only illegal if you use them for VoIP services like Viber, WhatsApp, etc. This law secures the Saudi government’s profit from telecommunications companies, so the legislation behind it is quite strict.

Saudi government blocks unauthorized VPN services. Penalties for using a VPN service include: “harsh punishment”  for locals living in Saudi Arabia and deportation for expatriates.

When you are reaching online content in this country, you should know that the Saudi government does frown upon using VPNs and blocks access to many popular VPN providers’ websites. Be sure to download the software for your preferred virtual private network before entering the country.

It is safe to use VPN in Saudi as long as you are a responsible user.  You can always check for the best VPNs for KSA and enjoy your stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Let’s point out what we said before. Although the government of Saudi Arabia blocks access to many VPN providers’ websites and servers, and you can come across many websites that are blocked in Saudi Arabia, using a VPN is not illegal in the country.

Will the internet ever be free in Saudi Arabia?

Internet freedom is the right to use the net without restriction, censorship, or enforced bias. The more digital liberties you can act on in your country, the more internet freedom you have. No country is 100% free. 

You can justify some restrictions, like preventing the spread of illegal content or protecting classified information.

The Saudi Arabian government has the authority to block certain websites and online content in terms of providing online security. You will come across many blocked sites in Saudi.

Whether in Saudi Arabia or another country, many sites are ‘haram,’ and you get directed to a Ministry page instead. Many websites are banned in Saudi Arabia.

The list is endless as the government has strict rules on what is to be shown on the internet and what is not. Citizens can only access a small portion of the full internet.

Many sites in Saudi Arabia are blocked by using “sophisticated filters” to block websites, such as pornography, extremist political views, and criticisms of the Saudi royal family.

Although you can easily search for different topics, it is recommended to skip those conversational topics that might get you into trouble.  

Dating apps like OkCupid, Match.com, Tinder, Bumble, and WhosHere work in the Kingdom and offer various options and levels of success.

Just make sure you are cautious about meeting strangers since you are technically breaking the law. Dating through dating apps works in Saudi Arabia like every other internet platform taking care of the topic’s sensitivity.

Saudi Arabia has no constitution, so its monarchy plays by its own rules, which are often vague and open to cloudy interpretation. You’d find basic freedom of speech equating to terrorism, and you’re suddenly criminalized.

Saudi Arabia is also hostile to journalists and activists, with many suffering lashings, torture, and death in custody.

Saudi Arabia’s accessibility is actually excellent, and the country ranks fifth in internet speeds. Even so, the government opposes apps that circumvent its surveillance and so routinely attempts to block instant messaging and VoIP services.

As of 2021, these services are available, but Whatsapp calls remain blocked.

Content is censored by the state and publishers – the latter will be held accountable for inappropriate or illegal content on their platforms. Many websites are blocked in Saudi Arabia, though authorities haven’t disclosed which websites are banned.

Saudi Arabian citizens have few digital rights, and severe consequences are handed to those who speak freely or post ‘inappropriate’ content.

Its score declined after a Red Crescent worker received a 20-year prison sentence for posting satirical remarks on Twitter.

Therefore, the answer is that it is hard to predict whether the internet will ever be free in KSA.

Is it safe to video call in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is considered a country with the safest countries to travel in. The crime rate is extremely low.

Some tools like WhatsApp and Viber are banned. These calling apps in Saudi Arabia can’t be used. So making video calls with them is not possible. Other forms may be ok.

It is safe to make a video call and use your phone in Saudi Arabia for this purpose.

Of course, you must be careful about the content in conversations and videos when publishing in public. You must avoid opposing political, ethical, social, and religious standards and streaming music in Saudi Arabia that is inappropriate under these standards. 

The conclusion is that not every content in Saudi Arabia should be exposed.

How do I use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

The first question that crosses your mind is if using VPN software for Saudi Arabia is safe in a country like Saudi Arabia.

Why do you need VPN in Saudi Arabia? There is censorship in Saudi Arabia, and many websites in Saudi Arabia are blocked.

So if you want to navigate safely and access those censored sites, you must set up a VPN. 

Many VPN providers in Saudi Arabia provide fast speeds, compatibility, and security.  We highly recommend Express VPN:

Best VPN for Saudi Arabia: ExpressVPN

Heading abroad? Use ExpressVPN to access your social media accounts, unblock your favorite entertainment sites, and stay connected with friends and family. And get cheaper flights, of course.

Pros

✅ Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries

✅ Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more

✅ 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi

✅ Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites

Cons

❎ No dedicated IPs

Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. That’s a 49% saving and a monthly cost of just $6.67! You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What you should do to use a VPN  in Saudi Arabia? 

You should sign up for a VPN service. After signing up, download the app for the VPN you’ve selected that is compatible with the device you will be using and get a connection to the VPN server. 

Now, connect to a VPN server in a country that doesn’t have strict internet restrictions. For example, you could choose a US server. 

After connecting to the right server, you can try logging in to a service, such as Skype, that is usually restricted. If you can’t access the services in Saudi Arabia, try clearing your browser’s cache ad cookies where appropriate or restarting your device.

If this still doesn’t solve the issue, you should contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

The safest and easiest way to get a Saudi Arabia IP address is to use a top-tier VPN with servers in Saudi Arabia.

You only need to connect to a Saudi Arabian server to get an IP address from the country. You can access geo-restricted sites and stay protected online with just a few clicks. The conclusion is that using a Saudi Arabian IP address with servers based in Saudi Arabia will protect your data. 

Can I use my Netflix account in Saudi Arabia?

Netflix is a significant part of our lives. We are all wondering if we can use our Netflix account in Saudi Arabia.

Yes, we can watch Netflix in Saudi Arabia if you have a reliable VPN.

Keep in mind that Saudi content is still limited compared to the U.S. Netflix content. 

Sign in with your Netflix account to watch instantly on the web at netflix.com from your personal computer or on any internet-connected device offering the Netflix app, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, streaming media players, and game consoles.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use in Saudi Arabia?

A free VPN is not a good option in general. Although free VPNs are everywhere, they are really a threat to your online security.

Free VPN use in Saudi Arabia is not an exception. Because to maintain the hardware and expertise needed for large networks and secure users, VPN services have expensive bills to pay.

As a VPN customer, you either pay for a premium VPN service with your dollars and try to choose the best VPN or pay for free services with your data. VPN is still more secure if it is paid. 

How Do I Sign Up For a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

We already explained how to sign up for a VPN server in Saudi Arabia and who are the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia. If you need a VPN  in Saudi, you should do the following:

1. Pick a VPN. Choose a secure VPN that has servers in Saudi Arabia. 
2. Download the VPN. Downloading and installing a VPN app on your device only takes 1–2 minutes (just follow the installation wizard). …
3. Connect to a Saudi server, and you will get a VPN connection.

Are you planning to visit Saudi Arabia? Does this article help you choose the best VPN server in Saudi Arabia?  Let us know in the comments section below!