Porn, non-Islamic religious items, alcohol and pork are all banned

One of the most important things you should know before traveling to Saudi Arabia is how strict the bans on items that are contrary to Islam are. It is extremely strict, and you are expected to comply. When it comes to these bans, Saudi Arabia is extremely strict, and having these items on you can land you in prison — or even get you killed. These items are considered haram because they violate Islamic law.

Don't even consider scanning porn or Christian images and saving them to your phone. Officials can and will scan your phone and laptop and seize any items that contain prohibited material. If they find anything like that, they will also turn you away from the country at the airport. While illegal drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, tobacco is legal. However, smoking in public is only permitted in designated areas. Tourists should not light up outside malls, restaurants, educational and sporting facilities, or mosques. The same rules apply to shisha smoking.