While North America was once famously on this list, it won’t be today. As part of their culture and religion, many nations have initiated prohibition. Here are ten countries where alcohol is illegal.
Alcohol is a commodity that most people today would buy or sell for granted, knowing there is a plentiful supply of it. There are some countries where alcohol is even part of the culture.
However, there are still several places across the globe where alcohol is illegal. Perhaps the most high-profile instance in the history of prohibition would be the United States in the 1920s.
The US, though, is no longer included on this list. As of 2022, there are around 14 countries that have outlawed alcohol in one form or another. A lot of these countries have a majority Muslim population, and it is part of their culture to prohibit the likes of drinking alcohol.
Curious to discover more? Here is our list of ten countries where alcohol is illegal.
10. Brunei ‒ allowed for non-Muslims in private
The sale of alcohol in Brunei is prohibited. However, while it is deemed to be a ‘dry’ country, these laws apply only to residents.
Private consumption is allowed for non-Muslims in the country. However, do not drink openly in public. Tourists are allowed to bring in two bottles of alcohol and 12 cans of beer per entry.
9. India ‒ a matter for the states
India does not have national policies concerning the alcohol industry. The regulation of the consumption of alcohol varies from state to state in India. States where alcohol is prohibited include Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
The penalty for consumption of alcohol in some of these states could be a five to a ten-year prison sentence. However, foreigners and Indian nationals may apply for 30-day alcohol permits.
8. Maldives ‒ reserved for the tourists
The tourist haven of the Maldives is a Muslim state that applies Sharia Law. While this law does not apply to tourists at private resorts, it does for residents.
It is deemed a serious offence to possess and consume alcohol in the country and can lead to a prison sentence.
7. Sudan ‒ one of the top African countries where alcohol is illegal
Next on our list of countries where alcohol is illegal is the African nation of Sudan. The manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol for Muslim citizens has been banned since 1983.
However, back in 2020, Sudan announced regulations allowing non-Muslims to drink alcohol in the country.
6. Mauritania ‒ strong laws against alcohol in the country
The sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law in Mauritania, one of three African countries on the list. There are no restaurants in the city of Nouakchott that serve alcohol legally.
Indeed, in 2017 the US Embassy in Mauritania went as far as to urge American citizens not to go to restaurants in the country that serve alcoholic drinks.
5. Iran ‒ exceptions for recognised minorities
Begging the list of the top five countries where alcohol is illegal is Iran. Alcohol drinking and selling has been prohibited in Iran since 1979, following the establishment of the Islamic Republic government.
On religious grounds, the import, sale, manufacture, and consumption of alcohol in Iran is prohibited. There are certain exceptions for Iranian religious minorities, but not tourists.
4. Pakistan ‒ license required to drink alcohol
Next on the list of the countries where alcohol is illegal is Pakistan. There is a black market for illicit alcohol sales in Pakistan, where alcohol consumption is forbidden for Muslims.
While alcohol is banned for 97% of the population, non-Muslims can drink alcohol if they obtain a license from the Pakistani government to do so.
3. Libya ‒ illegal for locals and foreigners alike
One of the African countries on our list where there is a certain level of restriction surrounding Alcohol is Libya. It is deemed to be illegal for both residents and tourists alike.
Libya joins Sudan and Mauritania as the only African countries on the list of countries where alcohol is illegal.
2. Saudi Arabia ‒ deemed to be a crime
Saudi Arabia is a Gulf state that follows Sharia Law and therefore strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol within the country.
The country will impose harsh penalties for those seen to contravene this law. Saudi Arabia will also act swiftly against foreign nationals who contravene the law.
1. Kuwait ‒ strict laws against consumption
Topping the list of the countries where alcohol is illegal is Kuwait. Much like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait bans the sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol.
Drink drivers are heavily punished in Kuwait, and the use of alcohol in public places can lead to imprisonment and even deportation for foreign citizens.
Notable mentions
South Africa: In 2021, South Africa partially lifted the ban on alcohol and the prohibition on the domestic transportation and sale of alcohol.
Somalia: One of the African countries where alcohol is illegal. The consumption, possession, and trafficking of alcohol are deemed to be punishable offences.
Bangladesh: Also based on religious reasons is the prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in Bangladesh. However, there are government-approved alcohol companies.
FAQs about countries where alcohol is illegal
Are there any countries where alcohol is illegal?
There are a total of 14 countries. There are no European countries on the list where alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages are readily available.
Is alcohol illegal in Dubai?
There is a partial alcohol ban in Dubai. UAE residents are able to drink alcohol at home and in licensed venues.
Is alcohol illegal in India?
There are no national policies and the prohibition on alcohol varies on a state by state basis in India. For example, the states of Nagaland and Mizoram ban alcohol.
