Don’t tell those on the iMessage side of the long, drawn-out debate, but WhatsApp is the ultimate messaging app, at least for the majority of users. It’s simple to use, has a wide range of features, and is available on almost every platform. But if you want to use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia, you will run into an inconvenient glitch.
A handful of countries have completely banned WhatsApp. Saudi Arabia isn’t on that list, but it has restricted the app’s voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) features. That move has frustrated expats and other users, as WhatsApp is an affordable communication option, especially for international contacts.
Thankfully, there’s a reliable way out—using a VPN. If you want to get back to making voice and video calls with WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia, give this comprehensive guide a go.
Unblock WhatsApp Calling in Saudi Arabia in Five Steps
- Get a VPN. We prefer NordVPN and its two-year Basic plan with a 70% discount.
- Download and install NordVPN on your device.
- Open NordVPN and sign up with your email and password.
- Connect to a server in a country that permits all WhatsApp functions.
- Download WhatsApp on your device, sign in or sign up, and use it normally.
Why You Can’t Use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia for Calls
WhatsApp helps users send and receive text, images, videos, and voice messages. They can also make voice and video calls. However, the latter features are unavailable if you’re in Saudi Arabia. That’s because the country’s government has enforced restrictions on WhatsApp’s VoIP feature, joining Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities cited national security concerns. Many experts suggest the primary motive behind the move is the government’s control over communication channels and ensuring adherence to relevant local laws. WhatsApp and other VoIP services offer a cost-effective way of making domestic and international calls.
Consequently, they may affect the revenue of regular telecom providers like the formerly state-run Saudi Telecom Company (STC). Whatever the case, the impact of this restriction has been significant, as many users rely heavily on WhatsApp for personal and professional communication.
That’s especially the case for expatriates or people visiting Saudi Arabia with family and friends back home who use WhatsApp. Luckily, there’s a way around this issue.
How to Use WhatsApp VoIP Functions in Saudi Arabia?
A virtual private network, or VPN, provides secure and private internet access by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. It’s your key to bypassing WhatsApp restrictions in Saudi Arabia and regaining access to voice and video calls. Here’s a guide to using WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia without restrictions:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN
Choose a VPN that works in Saudi Arabia and has servers in any country without WhatsApp restrictions. For performance reasons, you want one with server locations in nearby countries. Look for a provider known for its speed, security, and ability to circumvent online restrictions. We recommend NordVPN.
Visit the provider’s website and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs. For the best savings, pick the Basic plan. Create an account and complete the payment process. Once done, download and install the app on your device by following the provided links and on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Connect to a Server
Launch the VPN app and connect to a server outside Saudi Arabia. This will mask the original IP address and make it appear you’re browsing from elsewhere. Make sure the VPN connection is active before proceeding. For this tutorial, we used an American server since WhatsApp works in the US reliably.
Step 3: Make WhatsApp Calls Without Restrictions
With the VPN active, launch your WhatsApp application. You’ll now have access to all its features, including voice and video calls. Enjoy seamless communication with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Best VPNs to Use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia: Our Top 3 Picks
If you’ve never used one, picking the right VPN to use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia isn’t the easiest task. So, we simplified things for you by narrowing it down to the three best options in 2026.
1. NordVPN (Best Overall)
Pros
- Reliable speeds for WhatsApp calling
- Servers in 130 countries
- Double VPN connections
- Protection against trackers
- DNS leak protection
Con
- Expensive renewals (but worth the price)
NordVPN is a full package and our #1 VPN service for using WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the most famous VPN in the world, the Panama-based provider offers a reliable solution for WhatsApp calls with utmost privacy and security. It has a massive server collection comprising more than 9,000 in 130 countries.
That country spread is one of many impressive things about this provider. Nearby locations in Israel and Turkey offer many server options for fast, reliable connections. NordVPN’s performance is hard to beat. It’s easily the fastest VPN service. You can make WhatsApp calls, stream, and download large files, buffer- and lag-free.
Your data’s privacy and security are NordVPN’s priority. It employs top-tier encryption to scramble your online activities, so that hackers and other malicious actors will find it illegible. There’s an app-level kill switch and DNS protection to keep leaks away. NordVPN also uses RAM servers, so it goes all out on privacy.
On top of that, it offers an array of advanced and extra features, including Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and malware blocking. A single NordVPN subscription covers up to 10 devices simultaneously, more than enough at this price. You can try the VPN out risk-free, backed by a 30-day refund policy.
2. ExpressVPN (Best for Speed)
Pros
- Speedy connections for WhatsApp
- Servers close to Saudi Arabia
- Audited zero-log policy
- Reliable IP leak protection
- Beginner-friendly apps
Cons
- Not the cheapest VPN
- No Double VPN servers
ExpressVPN is one of our top picks for beating WhatsApp call restrictions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has 3,000+ servers spanning 105 countries, including nearby locations like Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon. Connecting to any of these will result in stable calls. The provider offers blazing-fast speeds, even on more distant servers.
That’s thanks to industry-leading infrastructure and its custom Lightway Turbo protocol. Whether you’re making WhatsApp calls or streaming videos on Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu, you’ll enjoy a smooth experience. Saudi Arabia scores low in terms of internet freedom, but there’s nothing to worry about with ExpressVPN.
All servers have obfuscation built in, hiding your VPN use. The provider beats censorship on websites and online services hassle-free, providing unrestricted access. Plus, it offers features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep snoopers away from your valuable data.
ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology wipes every trace of your online sessions after each reboot, and the VPN has a strict no-logs policy. You can protect up to 14 devices on one ExpressVPN account. After your purchase, you get 30 days to commit or request a refund; the latter is highly unlikely.
3. CyberGhost (Best for Affordability)
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Solid performance
- NoSpy servers for privacy
- Great for streaming/unblocking
Cons
- No VPN obfuscation
- Limited simultaneous connections (only 7)
CyberGhost offers an all-encompassing answer to the challenge of unrestricted WhatsApp access in Saudi Arabia. For pocket-friendly pricing, too. Server locations in neighboring WhatsApp-friendly nations such as Egypt and Israel provide consistent and dependable call performance, with zero hiccups.
CyberGhost enhances this reliability with 10 Gbps servers and WireGuard, resulting in pristine voice and video calls. That is, provided your initial internet connection is sufficiently fast. CyberGhost excels at breezing past geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
In addition, it circumvents government restrictions on adult sites and other websites. Beyond its unblocking capabilities, CyberGhost places a premium on your privacy and security. AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your online activities, while its strict adherence to a no-logs policy ensures your data stays confidential.
There’s also a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection to guard against potentially disastrous exposure. You can hop on the provider’s NoSpy servers if you’re more privacy-conscious. CyberGhost owns and manages them, and they are hosted in its data centers for added security.
The VPN lets you simultaneously protect up to seven devices. However, it trumps our other two providers by offering a 45-day money-back guarantee for lengthy testing and thorough examination.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia
We considered these metrics while evaluating dozens of providers to make this list.
⚠️ Censorship Bypassing Capabilities
We preferred VPNs renowned for their exceptional ability to bypass geographical restrictions and censorship, like those imposed on WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia. The providers on this list consistently demonstrate they can overcome these restrictions, so you get unhindered access to WhatsApp’s calling features.
🌎 Server Network
Our recommended VPNs boast an extensive server network strategically positioned outside Saudi Arabia. Narrowing it down further, we picked VPNs with servers in Middle Eastern countries due to their proximity to Saudi Arabia. This coverage guarantees fast and reliable connections for uninterrupted access to WhatsApp.
🔒 Security and Privacy
User privacy is a non-negotiable aspect of our VPN selection process, especially in a country like Saudi Arabia. Our recommended VPN services employ robust encryption protocols, maintain strict no-logs policies, and offer essential security features like kill switches, IP leak protections, and RAM servers.
More than 73% of Saudis are worried about hacking threats, so we prioritized providers that go even further. Most VPNs on this list offer advanced features like Double VPN, obfuscation, and Onion over VPN.
⚡ Speed and Performance
Nobody enjoys stuttering voice and video calls due to sluggish internet connections. We evaluated the VPNs for their ability to deliver consistently impressive performance while unblocking WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia. That is handy for other data-intensive activities like streaming, downloading, and online gaming.
⚙️ User-Friendly Interface
Ease of use was another consideration. The services on our list come with intuitive interfaces that serve both novice and experienced users. They have straightforward setup processes and uncomplicated navigation. Plus, users can effortlessly connect to a VPN server with one or two clicks.
☎️ Customer Support
Quality customer support is another factor we looked at. The VPNs we picked provide responsive and helpful support channels, including live chat, email, and robust knowledge bases. That way, they resolve any issues you may encounter while you use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia, 24/7, at any time of the year.
Will a Free VPN Unblock WhatsApp Calls in Saudi Arabia?
A free VPN seems appealing for obvious reasons. However, consider the implications and limitations of such services. A handful of VPN services will unblock WhatsApp call restrictions in Saudi Arabia, but can you keep up with the quality of service (or lack of it) they offer? We think not.
For instance, they tend to have fewer server options, both in terms of size and country spread. Very few free VPNs offer locations in Middle Eastern countries, which means you would be stuck with servers that are far from you. Inevitably, you’ll experience slower and less reliable connections.
Sluggish speeds could also result from their subpar server infrastructure and lack of fast protocols. Even worse, many free VPNs monetize their services through ads or logging user data, potentially compromising your privacy. This contradicts the purpose of using a virtual private network in the first place.
So, to enjoy voice and video calls on WhatsApp, consider a cheap VPN provider instead. They are considerably more reliable, and your data is less vulnerable, if at all.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s VoIP features offer a cost-effective means of calling and video-chatting friends and family. That is, as long as you’re not in Saudi Arabia or a handful of other countries, where government restrictions exist. Thankfully, a quality VPN helps you unblock WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia.
The best VPN for using WhatsApp freely in Saudi Arabia is NordVPN. You can take advantage of a 70% discount on its two-year Basic plan and save significantly. Also consider other alternatives, as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are also secure and reliable for this purpose.
FAQs
Is WhatsApp working in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, WhatsApp works in Saudi Arabia, but only partially. While a handful of countries have placed complete bans on WhatsApp, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a partial block in place. That restriction prevents WhatsApp users from using the app’s voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.
Are VPNs legal in Saudi Arabia?
No, using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is not illegal. Up to 37% of its residents and visitors use VPNs daily to access restricted or region-locked content despite the government’s efforts to block access to providers’ websites and servers. You can use any VPN you want, but do so responsibly; don’t commit crimes.
What is the fastest VPN for WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia?
The fastest VPN for WhatsApp calling is NordVPN. We tested it many times, and its lows, highs, and averages were exemplary. Even distant servers perform admirably, with fast and stable speeds and low latency.
