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: “Smuggling any of the prohibited items exposes you to penalties that include imprisonment and a fine. The list of prohibited items includes the following: * Alcohol and drugs of all kinds.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines into Saudi Arabia.

Carried Not allowed

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 Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines in Saudi Arabia

How many narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines can I bring into Saudi Arabia?: narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines at Saudi Arabia customs?: There is nothing to declare — narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines 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: “Smuggling any of the prohibited items exposes you to penalties that include imprisonment and a fine. The list of prohibited items includes the following: * Alcohol and drugs of all kinds.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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