Dry World Map: Where You Can't Even Drink Water with a Degree Today

We are accustomed to the fact that a glass of wine with dinner, a pint of beer in a pub, or a shot of spirits on a holiday is the norm, available almost anywhere on the planet. But there are places on the globe where alcohol is not just not welcomed, but banned by law. If you find yourself there with a bottle in hand, you risk not only ruining your vacation, but also facing real prison time, and sometimes even physical punishment. Where is the \"dry law\" in the strictest sense of the word still in effect today? Why have some countries closed all pubs, while others allow drinking, but only for the chosen few? Let's embark on a journey across the abstinence map, which turns out to be much broader than one might expect.

Complete Ban: Countries Where Alcohol Is Illegal

There are states in the world where alcohol is banned for everyone, both locals and tourists. Here you won't find a bar, a wine store, or even a bottle in a hotel. Trying to bring in or consume alcohol carries serious consequences.

Saudi Arabia

Here one of the strictest dry laws on the planet exists. Selling, buying, importing, and consuming alcohol are prohibited for everyone — both Muslims and foreigners. There are no bars, no wine lists, and no exceptions even for diplomats. Offenders face prison, fines, and flogging. Even during major sports events that the country hosts, the authorities do not make concessions for spectators.

Kuwait

One of the strictest regimes in the region. The import, sale, and consumption of alcohol are completely prohibited. A bottle bought in a duty-free store is confiscated at the border. Alcohol is not served in hotels, and appearing in public while drunk can result in imprisonment.

Libya

Traditionally a \"dry\" country where alcohol is prohibited in any form. There are no legal ways to acquire it, and trying to find it on the black market is a risk to both health and freedom. Producing, selling, or consuming alcohol carries a prison sentence.

Sudan

Officially there are some exceptions for non-Muslims, but in practice tourists fall under the general ban. Even trying to bring in alcohol is considered a serious offense. After recent reforms, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol privately, but for the majority of the population, alcohol remains strictly prohibited.

Somalia

In this African country, alcohol is completely prohibited in accordance with sharia law. The ban applies to the import, sale, and consumption. Offenders face severe penalties, up to imprisonment.

Mauritania

Officially an Islamic republic, where alcohol cannot be produced, sold, or consumed. There are only a few establishments for a \"narrow circle,\" but for the ordinary traveler, the country is completely alcohol-free.

Afghanistan

Here an absolute dry law is in effect. Citizens are strictly prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol, and doing so carries a prison sentence. However, for foreign tourists, exceptions are sometimes made, but this is risky.

Yemen

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in most of the country, although there are some exceptions — for example, in the city of Aden, where alcohol can be sold in certain establishments. Non-Muslim foreigners may import a limited amount of alcohol for personal use.

Iran

Production, sale, storage, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited for the Muslim population. However, there are exceptions for Christians and other religious minorities, who may produce and consume alcohol for religious purposes.

Brunei

In this small country in northern Indonesia, alcohol is prohibited primarily for Muslims. Non-Muslims and individuals over 17 years of age may import a limited amount of alcohol, but it is only allowed to consume it privately.

Partial Bans: Alcohol for the Chosen Few

In some countries, the law does not ban alcohol completely, but limits its consumption for certain categories of citizens or in certain places. Such bans are often related to religious norms, where alcohol is considered a sin for Muslims.

Bangladesh

Here the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol applies only to Muslims. Non-Muslims and foreigners may drink in private places, as well as in some hotels and restaurants aimed at tourists.

Pakistan

National law bans alcohol for Muslim citizens. Non-Muslims may buy alcohol, but for this they need to obtain a special permit. There are about 60 stores that sell high-quality alcohol, but access to them is limited.

The Maldives

Alcohol is available at popular resorts, but only on licensed islands. In the capital and on local inhabited islands, alcohol is prohibited for local residents. Tourists living in ordinary guesthouses will not be able to buy alcohol.

Indonesia

The authorities are trying to introduce a total ban, but it is currently in effect only in the Aceh province. In other regions, non-Muslims may consume alcohol, but it is not available everywhere. The sale of alcohol on beaches and near them is prohibited.

India

There is no unified ban in the country, but in some states, such as Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and Manipur, a complete dry law is in effect. In other regions, alcohol is sold freely.

The United Arab Emirates

Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims, but non-Muslims may buy and consume alcohol in licensed places. However, drinking in public or appearing drunk can result in a prison sentence of up to six months.

Egypt

Alcohol is available in tourist hotels and restaurants, but it is almost impossible to find it outside resorts. The sale of alcohol is completely prohibited during religious holidays.

Turkey

There is no complete ban in Turkey, but it is very difficult to find points of sale for alcohol after 22:00 in many cities. Also, the country has a ban on the advertising of alcoholic beverages.

Australia

There are territories where alcohol is prohibited in this progressive country. Alcohol can only be bought in licensed stores in the Northern Territory, but in some areas there is a strict comprehensive ban.

Historical Dry Laws: When the World Already Went Dry

The ban on alcohol is not an invention of the 21st century. In the history of the 20th century, whole countries were immersed in a \"dry\" regime, and the consequences of these experiments were diverse. In the United States, from 1920 to 1933, there was a dry law that prohibited the production and sale of alcohol. It led to the boom of smuggling, gangster wars, and budget losses, so it was abolished.

In Russia, a dry law was introduced several times. In 1914, with the start of World War I, the sale of vodka was prohibited. In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev began an anti-alcohol campaign that led to the closure of stores and mass moonshine production[reference:33]. In Norway, Finland, and Iceland, a dry law was in effect in the first half of the 20th century.

Why It's Banned: Religion, Health, and Politics

The main reason for complete and partial bans on alcohol is religious norms. In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is considered a sin (haram), so countries where sharia is the basis of legislation often introduce strict restrictions. However, there are other reasons: concern for the health of the population, combating crime, and efforts to preserve traditional values. In some regions, such as in Indian states, bans are related to political movements and social reforms.

There are at least 17 countries in the world where alcohol is banned completely or for the majority of the population. In dozens of states, there are significant restrictions. This map is constantly changing, but one thing remains unchanged: in a world where alcohol seems to be everywhere, there are still corners where even the most experienced traveler will not find it.

Permanent link to this publication: