ZeroToVPN
Updated February 2026
🇸🇦

Best VPN for Saudi Arabia

Unblock VoIP services and access restricted content in Saudi Arabia

Important Legal Information

VPNs are not illegal in Saudi Arabia for personal use. However, using a VPN to access content that violates Saudi law can carry penalties. The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) manages internet filtering. VoIP services like Skype and WhatsApp calls have been partially unblocked but restrictions remain on some platforms.

VPN Legal Status in Saudi Arabia

Legal for Personal Use

VPN usage is not prohibited for legitimate personal and business purposes

Content Heavily Filtered

CITC filters content through centralized internet gateway - 400,000+ sites blocked

VoIP Restrictions

Some VoIP services blocked or restricted to protect telecom operator revenue

Penalties for Misuse

Using VPN to access content violating Saudi law can result in fines or imprisonment

VPNs That Work in Saudi Arabia (2026)

These VPNs reliably bypass Saudi Arabia's content filtering and provide access to VoIP services. They use obfuscation to avoid detection by the CITC filtering system.

#1

NordVPN

4.8
92% - Obfuscated servers, reliable performance
95% Effective
Obfuscation
118 countries
10 devices
$2.99/mo
#2

Surfshark

4.6
90% - Camouflage Mode, good for VoIP calls
92% Effective
Obfuscation
100 countries
999 devices
$1.99/mo
#3

ExpressVPN

4.7
95% - Lightway protocol, excellent VoIP unblocking
90% Effective
Obfuscation
105 countries
8 devices
$8.32/mo
#4

VyprVPN

4.1
86% - Chameleon protocol designed for censorship bypass
86% Effective
Obfuscation
70 countries
10 devices
$8.33/mo

VPNs That Don't Work in Saudi Arabia

These VPNs are frequently blocked by Saudi Arabia's CITC filtering system:

Most free VPNs
VPNs without obfuscation
Hola VPN
Opera VPN
Browser proxy extensions
Unverified VPN apps from app stores

Essential Features for Saudi Arabia

VoIP Unblocking

Reliable access to Skype, WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, and other VoIP services

Obfuscation Technology

Stealth protocols to bypass CITC filtering and ISP-level blocks

Strong Encryption

AES-256 encryption for privacy protection in a heavily monitored environment

Fast Nearby Servers

Servers in UAE, Bahrain, Europe for low-latency connections from Saudi Arabia

Commonly Blocked Services in Saudi Arabia

VoIP services (Skype, some WhatsApp call features)
Gambling and betting websites
LGBTQ+ content and websites
Political opposition content
Content critical of the royal family or Islam
Adult content (comprehensive blocking)
Some news and media websites
Dating apps and websites

Tips for Using VPN in Saudi Arabia

1

Use obfuscation/stealth mode for consistent VoIP access

2

Connect to UAE or Bahrain servers for the best speeds

3

Install VPN before arriving in Saudi Arabia

4

Use VPN on both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks

5

Keep the VPN app updated for the latest protocol improvements

6

Avoid using VPN for activities that violate Saudi law

Saudi Arabia VPN FAQ

Is VPN use legal in Saudi Arabia?

VPN use is not illegal in Saudi Arabia for personal and business purposes. However, using a VPN to access content that violates Saudi law (such as gambling, pornography, or content critical of the government) can result in fines or imprisonment. Many businesses and expatriates use VPNs legally for work and communication.

Can I use WhatsApp calls with a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has partially lifted VoIP restrictions, and WhatsApp messaging works without a VPN. However, some VoIP call features may still be restricted. A VPN ensures consistent access to all VoIP services including video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype.

How does Saudi Arabia filter the internet?

All internet traffic in Saudi Arabia passes through a centralized gateway managed by CITC (Communications and Information Technology Commission). They use URL filtering, keyword blocking, and deep packet inspection to block content deemed inappropriate under Saudi regulations. Over 400,000 websites are estimated to be blocked.

What content is blocked in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia blocks gambling sites, adult content, LGBTQ+ content, political opposition websites, content critical of Islam or the royal family, some VoIP services, and various news sites. The filtering is one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East.