Do I have to declare living animals and carcass at Saudi Arabia customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass out of Saudi Arabia?

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

Does the Saudi Arabia limit for living animals and carcass 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 FAQs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Obtain prior import permit from the General Department of Agricultural Affairs.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on living animals and carcass?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit living animals and carcass, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Living animals and carcass can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Restricted

You can bring Living animals and carcass 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

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

FAQs Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Questions about Living animals and carcass in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare living animals and carcass at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass 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 living animals and carcass out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking living animals and carcass out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for living animals and carcass 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 FAQs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Obtain prior import permit from the General Department of Agricultural Affairs.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on living animals and carcass?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit living animals and carcass, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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