CarryRules

How much Cigars and other tobacco (by weight) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Declare

You can bring Cigars and other tobacco (by weight) into Saudi Arabia, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage
Checked baggage
Declaration Required
Limit 500 gram

What you need to know

  • 500 gram (17.64 oz)
  • Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Questions about Cigars and other tobacco (by weight) in Saudi Arabia

How much cigars and other tobacco (by weight) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia allows cigars and other tobacco (by weight) to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 500 grams of cigars and other tobacco (by weight). The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — Guidelines for Travelers · verified 2026-09-19

Do I have to declare cigars and other tobacco (by weight) at Saudi Arabia customs?
Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — Guidelines for Travelers · verified 2026-09-19

What happens if I do not declare cigars and other tobacco (by weight) 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.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20

Do duty-free purchases count toward the Saudi Arabia allowance for cigars and other tobacco (by weight)?
Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20

Can I post or ship cigars and other tobacco (by weight) 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.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20

Can I take cigars and other tobacco (by weight) out of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking cigars and other tobacco (by weight) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for cigars and other tobacco (by weight) apply per person or per family?
Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — Guidelines for Travelers · verified 2026-09-19

Where does this rule come from?
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in Guidelines for Travelers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Any tobacco derivative products if their quantity exceeds 200 cigarettes or 500 grams.”

Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — Guidelines for Travelers · verified 2026-09-19

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on cigars and other tobacco (by weight)?
Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cigars and other tobacco (by weight), 9 limit it and 11 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the more permissive.