Is WhatsApp Banned in Saudi Arabia? [2025 Full Guide]

Is WhatsApp banned in Saudi Arabia? WhatsApp has become the go-to messaging app for billions of users. Whether you’re chatting with family or coordinating international business, WhatsApp offers instant communication through text, voice, and video. However, not all countries embrace it equally. One frequently asked question is: Is WhatsApp banned in Saudi Arabia?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the legal status of WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia, past and current restrictions, what features work or don’t, reasons behind censorship, alternative apps, and what this means for both residents and travelers.

📌 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to WhatsApp’s Role in the Middle East
2. Is WhatsApp Banned in Saudi Arabia?
3. A Brief History of WhatsApp Restrictions in Saudi Arabia
4. Which WhatsApp Features Are Blocked in Saudi Arabia?
5. Why Are Certain WhatsApp Features Restricted?
6. Does WhatsApp Work on Wi-Fi and Mobile Data?
7. Can You Use a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia?
8. Alternative Messaging Apps in Saudi Arabia
9. Impact on Businesses and Tourists
10. Is the Ban Likely to Be Lifted in the Future?
11. Final Thoughts

1. Introduction to WhatsApp’s Role in the Middle East

WhatsApp is extremely popular in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. It’s used by people of all ages for personal messaging, work communication, group chats, and even marketing. However, its usage has not always been unrestricted. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, like many countries in the region, exercises a degree of control over digital communications, especially those involving VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services.

2. Is WhatsApp Banned in Saudi Arabia?

No, WhatsApp is not completely banned in Saudi Arabia as of 2025. You can send and receive messages, share media, and participate in group chats freely. However, WhatsApp voice and video calls are often restricted or blocked when used over local internet connections.

In short:

• ✅ Text Messaging – Fully functional
• ✅ Media Sharing – Functional
• 🚫 Voice Calls (VoIP) – Partially or fully blocked
• 🚫 Video Calls – Often blocked

This partial ban affects both residents and tourists trying to make WhatsApp calls inside the country.

3. A Brief History of WhatsApp Restrictions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a long-standing policy of regulating internet-based voice and video services. Here’s a timeline of WhatsApp’s fluctuating status:

YearEvent2013Saudi Arabia announced possible bans on encrypted VoIP services2017Lifting of the ban on some VoIP apps, but WhatsApp calls still affected2019Some users report intermittent access to voice calls2021Blocks on WhatsApp calls continue to be enforced at ISP level2023–2025Texting remains unrestricted, but VoIP services remain unreliable

The situation has improved slightly over the years, but full WhatsApp functionality is still not guaranteed.

4. Which WhatsApp Features Are Blocked in Saudi Arabia?

As of now, the most common WhatsApp restriction in Saudi Arabia is the inability to make voice or video calls over the internet. These restrictions are enforced by local internet service providers (ISPs).

FeatureStatus in Saudi ArabiaText messaging✅ AvailableVoice messages✅ AvailablePhoto & video sharing✅ AvailableVoice calls❌ Often blockedVideo calls❌ Often blockedWhatsApp Web/Desktop✅ Available

Sometimes, users report temporary access to calls, especially if they switch networks (from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa), but the experience is inconsistent.

5. Why Are Certain WhatsApp Features Restricted?

Saudi Arabia, like some other countries, restricts VoIP services for several reasons:

🔹 1. Regulatory Oversight

VoIP services are difficult for governments to monitor, especially if end-to-end encryption is used, like in WhatsApp.

🔹 2. Revenue Protection

Traditional telecom providers lose revenue when free internet calling replaces paid cellular calls. Blocking VoIP protects local telecom revenues.

🔹 3. National Security

The government has expressed concerns over apps that offer encrypted communication, as they may hinder surveillance in cases of criminal or terrorist threats.

🔹 4. Licensing Issues

Some apps may not comply with licensing requirements set by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia.

6. Does WhatsApp Work on Wi-Fi and Mobile Data?

Yes — but with a catch.

• Texting and media sharing: Works on both mobile data and Wi-Fi.
• Voice and video calls: Blocked on most Wi-Fi and mobile networks inside the country.

Some users report that certain calls may go through using enterprise Wi-Fi or VPN-enabled networks, but this is unofficial and inconsistent.

7. Can You Use a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia?

Technically, yes. Many residents and expats use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access WhatsApp calls.

Popular VPNs That May Work:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark
• ProtonVPN

However, using a VPN in Saudi Arabia carries legal gray areas. While having a VPN is not illegal, using it to bypass government restrictions can be considered a violation of local cybercrime laws.

⚠️ Caution: Use VPNs at your own risk. It’s essential to stay updated on local regulations and ensure you don’t breach Saudi law.

8. Alternative Messaging Apps in Saudi Arabia

If WhatsApp calling doesn’t work, consider these alternatives that are often allowed or fully licensed in the Kingdom:

App NameTextingVoice/Video CallingAvailabilityBOTIM✅ Yes✅ YesApprovedC’Me✅ Yes✅ YesApprovedSkype✅ Yes⚠️ Sometimes blockedVariesZoom✅ Yes✅ Yes (business use)AllowedGoogle Meet✅ Yes✅ YesMostly worksTelegram✅ Yes❌ Voice calls blockedPartially

These apps often require registration with a local number or verification. BOTIM and C’Me are popular because they’re offered in partnership with telecom providers like STC and Mobily.

9. Impact on Businesses and Tourists

🔹 For Expats and Tourists:

If you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia and depend on WhatsApp to stay in touch, prepare for limitations in making calls. You can still text, send images, and use WhatsApp Web without issue.

🔹 For Business Professionals:

Businesses may struggle if they rely on WhatsApp calls for client communication. Many turn to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or locally approved VoIP services for virtual meetings and calls.

💼 Pro Tip: Always have backup communication apps installed when traveling to Saudi Arabia.

10. Is the Ban Likely to Be Lifted in the Future?

The Saudi government has taken steps to modernize its tech infrastructure and diversify its economy under Vision 2030. That includes encouraging digital services and entrepreneurship.

While there’s no official word on lifting VoIP bans on apps like WhatsApp, the following developments offer hope:

• Increased public demand for digital communication
• Global pressure for internet freedom
• Expansion of licensed VoIP services
• Tech-friendly reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

⏳ Conclusion: The ban on WhatsApp calls may eventually be lifted or relaxed, but for now, users must work within existing limitations.

11. Final Thoughts

So, is WhatsApp banned in Saudi Arabia? Not entirely. While the app is not blocked, and messaging features are fully functional, voice and video calling remain restricted due to government regulations.

Here’s a quick recap:

FeatureStatus in Saudi ArabiaTexting & Media✅ AllowedVoice/Video Calls❌ Often BlockedVPN Usage⚠️ RiskyAlternative VoIP Apps✅ Available

Tips for Visitors:

• Don’t rely solely on WhatsApp for voice communication.
• Install approved apps like BOTIM or Skype.
• Use hotel or business Wi-Fi for better access to certain features.
• Be mindful of local laws regarding VPNs and encrypted communication.

WhatsApp may be one of the world’s most powerful communication tools, but its full potential isn’t available everywhere. If you’re living in or traveling to Saudi Arabia, understanding these restrictions is essential for smooth communication.