Do I have to declare banned knives and edged weapons at Saudi Arabia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons out of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking banned knives and edged weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Saudi Arabia limit for banned knives and edged weapons 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 ارشادات المسافرين. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “دخول الاسلحة والالعاب النارية والمفرقعات والخناجر والسيوف الحادة مقيد استيرادها بإذن مسبق من وزارة الداخلية ويعرض حاملها للجزاءات النظامية.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on banned knives and edged weapons?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit banned knives and edged weapons, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the strictest.

How much Banned knives and edged weapons can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Restricted

You can bring Banned knives and edged weapons into Saudi Arabia only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

ارشادات المسافرين Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority

Questions about Banned knives and edged weapons in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare banned knives and edged weapons at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking banned knives and edged weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for banned knives and edged weapons 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 ارشادات المسافرين. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “دخول الاسلحة والالعاب النارية والمفرقعات والخناجر والسيوف الحادة مقيد استيرادها بإذن مسبق من وزارة الداخلية ويعرض حاملها للجزاءات النظامية.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on banned knives and edged weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit banned knives and edged weapons, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the strictest.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)