At this point, everyone and their dog knows that Saudi Arabia has poor internet freedom. Still, expats and visitors in the country want to stay connected with friends and family through one of the most popular platforms for international calls: Skype. However, Skype calls are blocked in Saudi Arabia. Or are they?
To clarify, you can still use Skype for texting in Saudi Arabia, but calling isn’t always straightforward. While the government lifted the ban on VoIP apps (including Skype) in 2017, sporadic reports still surface of users being unable to make calls. In short, reliable Skype calls are far from guaranteed in the Kingdom.
Unless you use a VPN, that is. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to unblock Skype calls in Saudi Arabia and set everything up. We’ll also provide a shortlist of VPNs that you can rely on to work every time. But first, here’s a quick overview.
How a VPN Unblocks Skype in Saudi Arabia
The hint is in the name. A virtual private network (VPN) is a software that creates a private connection between your device and the internet. It encrypts your network traffic and routes it through a server in a different location. In the process, it masks your IP address and hides your actual location, making it seem like you’re browsing from the server’s location.
Let’s say you connect to a VPN server in London. The VPN encrypts your traffic and gives you a British IP address. What’s more, even if you’re actually in Riyadh or Makkah, the websites and apps you visit will “think” you’re accessing them from the UK.
As a result, you can bypass the restrictions on services like Skype because the network blocks on them no longer apply to you.
There’s more. The trick works with WhatsApp and other VoIP services and can help you access geo-restricted content. But more than that, a high-quality Saudi Arabian VPN can bypass the Kingdom’s extensive censorship and surveillance measures, which means you get to browse the internet freely there.
How to Make Skype Calls Without Restrictions in Saudi Arabia: A Tutorial
Now that you know how a VPN works, let’s move on to how to make it work. Getting started with one is way simpler than most beginners think it is — you can be all set with everything running smoothly in minutes.
We recommend following the steps below before traveling to Saudi Arabia because the country censors many VPN websites, and it would be more difficult to install one. However, don’t worry about them not working there, because they do.
Step 1: Sign Up to the Right VPN
This step is crucial because settling for a dud could be a costly mistake. Even worse, it could land you in legal trouble if your browsing activity is exposed. That’s why your chosen VPN for Saudi Arabia must be reliable enough to bypass censorship and network blocks while keeping your data secure.
NordVPN gets our recommendation because it delivers on all fronts. Visit the VPN website and provide the required information to purchase a plan and create an account.
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN App
Once you’ve signed up, the next step is to download and install the VPN app. Most reputable VPNs offer native apps for smartphones, tablets, and computers, and they also allow manual configurations for many other devices.
Navigate to the download section on the website (or use an app store) and download the appropriate app for your device. Follow the usual installation steps.
To ensure you’re making the right decision, you can check out our list of the best Windows VPNs or our comparison of VPN apps for Android.
Step 3: Connect to a Remote Server
Now, launch the app and sign in to the account you created. Once you’re in, head over to the server location menu, where you’ll choose a server outside Saudi Arabia. Wait a few moments while the VPN establishes the connection.
Step 4: Use Skype Calls in Saudi Arabia
With the VPN connected to a server in another location, you’re all set to make smooth Skype calls in Saudi Arabia. Simply download the app for free, sign in or register, and use it as you normally would. This also applies to other services that may face similar restrictions.
For example, you can use this method to make WhatsApp calls from Saudi Arabia.
Which VPN Servers Should You Use for Skype Calls in Saudi Arabia?
The server you choose for Step 3 in the guide above can make all the difference. Pick the right server, and you get a smooth voice or video call. But if you go with the wrong one, you might deal with stuttering video or worse — no connection at all.
So, how do you know you’re making the correct server selection decision?
There are two good rules of thumb. The first is to pick a server in a nearby country to avoid any slowdowns. Countries like Turkey and Israel are solid options because they’re close and usually offer good speeds for video and voice calls. Secondly, avoid other highly restrictive countries because Skype calls are likely blocked there, too.
Putting both rules together, it’s a bad idea to connect to servers in countries like Bangladesh, the UAE, Oman, and Morocco, even though some of those are nearby. And while Australia doesn’t have Skype restrictions, it’s so far away that you’re likely to experience poor video quality.
Safer server options include Israel and relatively nearby European countries like the UK, Germany, and France.
3 Best VPNs to Unblock Skype Calls in Saudi Arabia in 2026
Everything discussed in previous sections hinges on using a reliable VPN with a good track record. Unfortunately, there are tons of duds in the saturated VPN market. Some may not work quite well in Saudi Arabia, or worse, could compromise your privacy.
Not the three VPNs below, though. These trusted options were tops on our tests and will reliably unblock Skype calls in Saudi Arabia while delivering fast speeds and securing your data.
1. NordVPN
Our #1 pick for 2026 is also the best VPN for Saudi Arabia overall. It’s our favorite choice because it comes with everything you need to make voice and video calls securely.
NordVPN has an impressive network with over 7,100 servers across 118 countries. That includes several nearby locations in the Middle East, including Turkey and Israel. Consequently, you can expect reliable access no matter where you are in the Kingdom.
Does it unblock Skype and other VoIP services? Absolutely. NordVPN is built to handle strict restrictions like the ones in Saudi Arabia and does so admirably. That aside, it unblocks all sorts of foreign libraries and streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. And thanks to its blazing-fast speeds, you can count on buffer-free video calls and streaming.
It’s also the most secure VPN service on the block. NordVPN is brimming with cutting-edge security tools like AES-256 encryption, a super-reliable kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Together, they work to ensure nobody else can get a hold of your data. On top of that, the provider has a strict no-logs policy that has undergone multiple audits.
NordVPN is broadly compatible, so you can use it on all sorts of devices. A single subscription permits up to ten simultaneous connections. If you ever run into any connectivity or usage issues, the VPN’s responsive customer support is always available around the clock to assist you.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top option for unblocking Skype in Saudi Arabia. This one has a collection of over 3,000 servers spread across 105 countries, including several nearby Skype-friendly locations.
ExpressVPN isn’t trailing far behind NordVPN when it comes to circumventing network restrictions. In fact, it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming. Whether it’s a website, VoIP platform, or streaming service, you can depend on the VPN to provide the access you need. During our tests, for example, it effortlessly unblocked American TV channels from thousands of miles away from the United States. It is also possible to rely on it to access adult sites blocked in Saudi Arabia.
Expect searing speeds and stable connections while at it. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s well-oiled network of 10 Gbps servers and speed-friendly custom protocol, we didn’t experience any stuttering while streaming videos in 4K quality. The video quality on Skype videos was also super-smooth, with no lags or buffering.
There’s no chance that authorities can access your browsing history, as ExpressVPN doesn’t store any identifiable logs. We know this for sure because it has commissioned more independent audits than any competitor. On top of that, it comes with industry-standard and advanced security tools like bank-level AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
ExpressVPN allows up to eight simultaneous connections, which cuts it for most users, especially when you account for its router support. What’s more, you can rely on 24/7 customer service if you encounter any problems while using the VPN.
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is the best budget VPN for making Skype calls in Saudi Arabia. It has the added benefit of having virtual servers in the Kingdom, which means you can get a Saudi IP address from elsewhere.
We could make Skype calls as soon as the VPN was connected, no hassle whatsoever. Plus, even though it’s not quite on the same level as our top picks, PIA does pretty well when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted websites and streaming services, whether in Saudi Arabia or abroad.
It optimizes every server in its massive network in 91 countries to deliver high bandwidth and fast speeds. As a result, there’s little chance you’ll have a problem with call quality. We certainly didn’t, during our tests, and also enjoyed bufferless playback while streaming online videos.
This VPN doesn’t store any activity or connection logs, so snoops can’t get their mittens on your browsing history. Also, it secures your connections with AES-128 encryption (upgradeable to AES-256), an advanced kill switch, protection from DNS leaks, and an ad-and-malware blocking combo called MACE.
Finally, Private Internet Access doesn’t place any restrictions on the number of devices you can connect at once. That’s great for large households, as it means you’ll never hit a simultaneous connection cap.
Can You Unblock Skype and Make Calls in Saudi Arabia With a Free VPN?
Some free VPNs can help you bypass network blocks to use Skype in Saudi Arabia, but we don’t recommend using them. Sure, we get the attraction. After all, who doesn’t like free stuff? Still, free VPNs typically come with too many downsides to be worth the cost savings.
Many free VPNs will struggle to unblock Skype, to begin with. And because they usually only have small networks, you’re highly restricted in terms of server selection. Plus, free VPNs can be really slow and may restrict the amount of data you can use. Not exactly what you need for crystal-clear, uninterrupted communication.
It gets worse, though. Most free VPNs don’t provide the same level of security and privacy that premium options do. Some even sell your data to third parties, which is definitely not something you want when you’re trying to keep your online activities private, especially in a place like Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
Even though the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia publicly removed its ban on internet calls in 2017, Skype calls don’t always work there. Intermittent restrictions mean you may struggle to reach friends and family abroad through this platform.
Luckily, you can get around those restrictions by using a VPN. We discussed everything you need to know to get started in this guide — and threw in three of the best VPNs for the task.
NordVPN is our favorite of the three, thanks to its superb blend of functionality and performance. Take advantage of an exclusive discount on any of its plans by clicking the button below. You’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, which will allow you to test the VPN for a full month before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s wrap up with a few commonly asked questions.
Are VPNs legal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. While the country censors many VPN websites, VPNs are completely legal, and you wouldn’t be breaking any laws by using them.
Is Skype banned in Saudi Arabia?
No, Skype isn’t banned. However, you may experience difficulties making calls due to intermittent restrictions.
Can I use Skype with a VPN?
Yes, you can. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access are examples of highly rated VPNs that work with Skype.