Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at Saudi Arabia customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Saudi Arabia?

Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 142, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 143: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 145: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to Saudi Arabia instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.

Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Saudi Arabia limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in Law of Combating Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Drugs containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in possession of coming patients shall be disclosed.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotic and psychotropic medicines can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Declare

You can bring Narcotic and psychotropic medicines into Saudi Arabia, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Law of Combating Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances Saudi Food and Drug Authority

Questions about Narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Saudi Arabia?: Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 142, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 143: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 145: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to Saudi Arabia instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.
Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in Law of Combating Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Drugs containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in possession of coming patients shall be disclosed.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances