Do I have to declare companion animals at Saudi Arabia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare companion animals 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 companion animals 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 companion animals out of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Saudi Arabia limit for companion animals 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 Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on companion animals?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring companion animals to Saudi Arabia?

Official classification: Pets (companion animals)

Restricted

You can bring companion animals 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
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

Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
FAQs Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare companion animals at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare companion animals 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 companion animals 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 companion animals out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for companion animals 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 Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on companion animals?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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