What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in السلع الممنوعة والمقيدة. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “الحبوب والمسكرات والمخدرات بجميع أنواعها.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the strictest.

How much Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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

السلع الممنوعة والمقيدة Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)

Questions about Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) in Saudi Arabia

How many Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into Saudi Arabia?: Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) at Saudi Arabia customs?: There is nothing to declare — Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 السلع الممنوعة والمقيدة. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “الحبوب والمسكرات والمخدرات بجميع أنواعها.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the strictest.

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