Taking a Bible to Saudi Arabia is restricted due to the country’s laws regarding the importation and possession of non-Islamic religious materials. However, the exact rules are complex and inconsistently enforced. Here is an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding whether to bring a Bible into Saudi Arabia.
Importing Religious Books in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia officially bans the importation of non-Islamic religious books and materials. This includes Bibles, crosses, crucifixes, statues, carvings and items with religious symbols. Bringing these items into the country violates Saudi customs regulations.
In practice, Saudi customs officers have considerable discretion in enforcing these rules. Some may confiscate Bibles and other religious paraphernalia. But many focus instead on banning pornography, political material and drugs. Small quantities of religious books for personal use may pass through unchecked.
The Saudi government defends these import restrictions to prevent proselytizing by other religions. Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam called Wahhabism. The public practice of any other faith is banned.
Possessing a Bible in Saudi Arabia
Saudi laws also prohibit the open display and distribution of non-Islamic religious materials. Items like Bibles cannot be sold or given away in public places. The Saudi religious police, known as the mutaween, search for and confiscate forbidden religious materials.
However, there is no official law against private personal use of religious articles like Bibles. In practice, the mutaween tend to leave Western expatriates alone in this regard. Discreet private worship and possession of Bibles do not usually lead to problems.
The main risks are organized worship services, overt evangelizing, public display of religious symbols, or giving Bibles to Saudis. These visible activities would likely attract the attention of the mutaween. Penalties can include arrest, lashing, fines and deportation.
Advice for Bringing a Bible to Saudi Arabia
In light of Saudi Arabia’s complex and ambiguous religious rules, here are some guidelines for travelers considering bringing a Bible into the country:
- Only bring one or two Bibles for personal use.
- Pack the Bible(s) deep inside your luggage, not close to the top.
- Avoid any visible religious symbols on the outside of the Bible.
- Declare it if asked by customs, but don’t volunteer this information.
- Practice religious faith discretely while in Saudi Arabia.
- Do not attempt to evangelize or distribute religious materials.
Following these precautions provides the best chance of avoiding problems with Saudi authorities. Though even then, outcomes depend much on the individual customs officer or mutaweem.
Digital Bibles for Saudi Arabia
Given the risks of print Bibles being confiscated, many opt to bring scriptures in digital format instead. Some options include:
- Downloading Bible apps onto your phone or tablet.
- Adding Bible files or audio recordings to your device.
- Packing a Kindle or other e-reader loaded with Bibles.
Digital religious materials can more easily pass through customs checks. However, public use of digital Bibles also risks attracting attention and should be avoided.
Alternatives to Bringing a Bible
Rather than bring a Bible, some travelers to Saudi Arabia prefer the following options:
- Memorize key Bible verses and passages.
- Receive Bible verses through social media or messaging apps while in the country.
- Access Bible websites while using a VPN connection.
- Wait until returning home to resume Bible reading.
These alternatives enable practicing faith discreetly without the risks of bringing physical or digital religious materials through Saudi customs.
Conclusion
While banned officially, the Saudi government’s enforcement on personal religious materials is inconsistent. Small numbers of print Bibles for private use may pass through customs if well-hidden. Digital Bibles reduce the risk of confiscation. However, Bibles of any kind should be used discretely. With reasonable precautions, it is often possible to bring a Bible into Saudi Arabia without issue.