You need: Prescriptions and medical reports for any medicines, and receipts for valuable items.
Key figures
- Cash, cheques, gold and other precious metals
- Declare if over SAR 40,000 (arriving or leaving)
- Gifts or goods beyond personal use
- Declare if over SAR 3,000
- Tobacco
- Declare above 200 cigarettes or 500 g
- Medicines with narcotic or psychotropic ingredients
- SFDA clearance before you travel (since 1 Nov 2025)
- Power banks
- Cabin bag only, no more than 2, no charging on board
- Drones
- Need approval from the authorities
Steps
- Declare online on the ZATCA customs form before you fly, or on paper at the airport: before security when leaving, or in baggage claim when arriving.
- Controlled medicines: apply for a personal traveller permit on the SFDA Controlled Drugs System (cds.sfda.gov.sa) before you travel. You need a valid prescription, a medical report, your passport and the medicine details.
- Keep medicines in their original packs with the prescription, and carry only the amount you need.
- Never carry a bag, parcel or medicine for anyone else, even a relative, unless you packed it yourself and know exactly what is inside.
- Prohibited: alcohol, narcotics, counterfeit money, and unregistered pills or creams. Smuggling can lead to prison and fines.
- Not sure about an item? Ask ZATCA before you travel, not at the airport.
Important: Not declaring cash or goods that must be declared can lead to legal action and penalties.