If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as the summer days wind down, you may want to think twice before taking your Bible with you. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is officially called, reportedly bans foreigners from bringing in Bibles, crucifixes, Stars of David and other religious non-Islamic items.
The heavily Muslim country threatens to confiscate them from foreign visitors along with other prohibited items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography, according to the web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country's national carrier.
"A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations," states the airlines' web site.
It goes on to say: "Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are also prohibited. These may include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols such as the Star of David, and others."
An employee of the Saudi Arabian Airlines in New York, who only identified herself as Gladys, confirmed the rule.
"Yes, sir," Gladys said to The Jerusalem Post, "That is what we have heard - that it is a problem to bring these things into Saudi Arabia - so you cannot do it."
Furthermore, an official from the Saudi Consulate in New York, who declined to identify herself, said that foreigners wanting to bring a Bible or wearing a crucifix or Star of David around their neck would face problems with Saudi authorities.
"You are not allowed to bring that stuff into the kingdom," she said, according to the Post Wednesday. "If you do, they will take it away," she warned.
