Saudi Arabiaالمملكة العربية السعودية

Travellers arriving in Saudi Arabia may bring 0 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia — no allowance. Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (though significant restrictions and high excise apply). Personal goods for travelers: SAR 3,000 (~$800 USD) in general goods duty-free. Commercial goods follow standard import duty rules.

400 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.

Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 16000 (SAR) must be declared on arrival.

SAR 1,000 (~USD 267). Goods shipped to Saudi Arabia valued at or below SAR 1,000 may be exempt from customs duty. VAT (15%) applies to all imports regardless of value for registered businesses. For individuals receiving low-value packages, customs may apply a simplified tariff. E-commerce imports are growing and ZATCA monitors compliance.

VAT 15% (raised from 5% in July 2020 under fiscal-consolidation programme). Applied to imports plus GCC Common External Tariff (typically 5% MFN; higher on protected sectors). SASO/SABER conformity certification mandatory on most consumer goods.

Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) for your specific medicine.

Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to Saudi Arabia's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 — undervaluation is treated as fraud.

A customs declaration filed with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.

The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.

Alcohol and products containing alcohol; Pork products and non-halal foods; Drugs and narcotics. See the full prohibited list on this page.

Medicines and pharmaceuticals (SFDA approval required); Food and beverages (SFDA registration required; halal certification often needed); Firearms and weapons (Ministry of Interior permit required). Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.

Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into Saudi Arabia accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.

Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)'s agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.

Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; Saudi Arabia may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) guidance before travel — bans have grown markedly since 2023.

Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact Saudi Arabia's health authority before travel.

Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.

Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.

Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter Saudi Arabia.

Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.

Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact — they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) via the contact route on their official site.

Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.