Pork

Yes. Pork is banned in Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to import pork or pork products, and the UK government’s trade barrier register describes the ban as covering both import and consumption. You will not find pork in Saudi shops or restaurants, and customs will confiscate any that travellers bring in.

Why pork is banned

Islam forbids eating pork, and Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest sites, bases its law on a strict reading of Islamic rules. All meat sold in the kingdom must be halal, and pork can never be halal.

What counts as a pork product

The ban is wider than fresh meat. Shipping and customs guides list pork, pork products and any foodstuffs that contain pork as prohibited. That can include ham, bacon, salami and sausages, but also less obvious items such as sweets or snacks made with pork gelatin. The US government’s export guide lists pork and pork products alongside weapons, alcohol and narcotics among goods Saudi law forbids importing.

What travellers should know

Inside the country, you will not find pork even at international hotel chains. Breakfast items such as bacon or sausages are made from beef, chicken or turkey instead, so read labels if you need to know exactly what you are eating.

Check your bags before you fly. Food from home, gifts and snacks are the most common problem, especially sweets with gelatin of unknown origin. If you are unsure, leave it behind. The UK Foreign Office lists pork and pork products among items it is illegal to bring into Saudi Arabia, and prohibited items are seized at the border.

The pork ban sits alongside the kingdom’s long-standing ban on alcohol. Religion shapes food law in other countries too, such as the state-level rules on beef in India. Browse more food and drink bans or see the Saudi Arabia page.