Partly blocked Updated 16 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock Tor Browser in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia partly blocks Tor Browser. A VPN sends your connection through another country so the block no longer applies. This guide uses Proton VPN.
Short answer
Use Proton VPN, connect to Germany, then open Tor Browser.
We picked Proton VPN because it's the best fit for Tor Browser here: swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.
Why Tor Browser doesn't work in Saudi Arabia
Tor Browser is partly blocked in Saudi Arabia. The Tor Project website is blocked on some networks.
WhatsApp, Skype and other calling apps have worked since 2017, but websites critical of the state are blocked and posts have led to decades-long prison terms.
Is a VPN legal in Saudi Arabia? Legal with restrictions. VPNs are not banned outright, but accessing or posting content that is illegal in Saudi Arabia is still an offence.
Step by step with Proton VPN
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Install and sign in
Install Proton VPN on the phone or computer where you use Tor Browser, then sign in.
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Check the protocol
Leave the protocol on Smart (the default) for the best speed.
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Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in Germany, the Netherlands or Switzerland. Tor Browser works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
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Open Tor Browser and click Connect
With the VPN on, Tor should connect without bridges. If it stalls, open Settings, then Connection, and choose a built-in bridge such as Snowflake or obfs4.
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Leave the VPN on
Keep Proton VPN connected while you use Tor Browser. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: Download Tor Browser only from torproject.org. If that site is blocked, the VPN lets you reach it.
Try Proton VPNIf it still doesn't work
- Try another server in the same country.
- Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN.
- Force-close Tor Browser and open it again after the VPN connects.
Or try another VPN
NordVPN Connects
Leave the protocol on NordLynx (the default). You don't need obfuscation for this block.
Try NordVPNExpressVPN Connects
Leave the protocol on Automatic. ExpressVPN picks the fastest option for you.
Try ExpressVPNWhat people in Saudi Arabia are reporting
Not enough reports yet for Proton VPN in Saudi Arabia this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does Tor Browser work in Saudi Arabia without a VPN?
Partly. Some features of Tor Browser are blocked in Saudi Arabia: The Tor Project website is blocked on some networks.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Tor Browser in Saudi Arabia?
Legal with restrictions. VPNs are not banned outright, but accessing or posting content that is illegal in Saudi Arabia is still an offence. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock Tor Browser in Saudi Arabia?
A trustworthy free VPN can work for a simple block like this one. Proton VPN's free plan is the safest free option. Avoid unknown free VPN apps, which often sell browsing data.
Why does Tor Browser still not work with the VPN on?
Try another server in the same country. Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN. Force-close Tor Browser and open it again after the VPN connects.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick