Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Rules to follow in Mecca

4 laws, restrictions, and customs in Mecca that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Alcohol is completely prohibited

Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. There are no licensed venues, no duty-free import allowance for visitors, and no exceptions. Consumption, possession, or importation is a criminal offence.

Where: Legal
Cost: Flogging; imprisonment; deportation
Tip: Saudi Arabia has no alcohol culture. Mocktails, juices, and non-alcoholic beverages are excellent and widely available.

2. Women must cover their bodies in public — rules have relaxed but modesty remains expected

Following 2019 reforms, foreign women in Saudi Arabia are no longer legally required to wear an abaya (full-length robe) in public, but modest dress is expected — shoulders and knees covered, no tight clothing. In Mecca and Medina, religious observance is stricter.

Where: Legal
Tip: Dress modestly throughout. An abaya is courteous in Riyadh's traditional areas and expected in religious sites.

3. Non-Muslims are banned from entering Mecca and Medina's holy sites

The cities of Mecca and Medina, and all holy sites within them, are strictly prohibited for non-Muslims. Checkpoints on roads into Mecca enforce this. Attempting to enter is a serious religious and legal offence.

Where: Religious
Cost: Deportation; possible imprisonment
Tip: Non-Muslims may visit Jeddah, Riyadh, and the historic sites of AlUla. Only Muslim travellers may complete Hajj or Umrah.

4. Criticising the government or royal family is illegal

Saudi Arabia's Cyber Crime Law (2007) criminalises online content deemed harmful to 'public order' or that defames the state, the King, or the royal family. Tourists have been arrested for social media posts.

Where: Legal
Cost: Imprisonment; deportation
Tip: Avoid any social media content critical of Saudi Arabia, Islam, or the government while in the country.

Rules to follow in Mecca

1. Alcohol is completely prohibited

2. Women must cover their bodies in public — rules have relaxed but modesty remains expected

3. Non-Muslims are banned from entering Mecca and Medina's holy sites

4. Criticising the government or royal family is illegal

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