What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in SFDA Publishes Guideline for Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs for Travelers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

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

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances into Saudi Arabia only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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

SFDA Publishes Guideline for Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs for Travelers Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

Questions about Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 SFDA Publishes Guideline for Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs for Travelers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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Other items in this group

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 Narcotic and psychotropic medicines