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. Alcohol and drugs of all kinds.”

How much Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) into Saudi Arabia.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Guidelines for Travelers Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority

Questions about Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) in Saudi Arabia

How many Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?: Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) may not be brought into Saudi Arabia at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) at Saudi Arabia customs?: There is nothing to declare — Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) in Saudi Arabia?: Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 145, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 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. Alcohol and drugs of all kinds.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit), 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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