Do I have to declare knives at Saudi Arabia customs?

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

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

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

Does the Saudi Arabia limit for knives 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 دليل رموز اجراءات فسح وتصدير السلع. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “السيوف والخناجر والحراب والرماح والاسلحة البيضاء المعدة للزينة تفسح مباشرة، وغير ذلك يتطلب استيرادها الحصول على موافقة من ادارة الاسلحة والمتفجرات بوزارة الداخلية.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Knives can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Restricted

You can bring Knives 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

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Air France	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

دليل رموز اجراءات فسح وتصدير السلع Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority

Questions about Knives in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare knives at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare knives 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 knives 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 knives out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for knives 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 دليل رموز اجراءات فسح وتصدير السلع. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “السيوف والخناجر والحراب والرماح والاسلحة البيضاء المعدة للزينة تفسح مباشرة، وغير ذلك يتطلب استيرادها الحصول على موافقة من ادارة الاسلحة والمتفجرات بوزارة الداخلية.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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