Saudi Arabia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits alcohol and pork products. For 2026, non-resident adult travellers may bring in duty-free personal goods up to SAR 3,000 (approx. USD 800) and must declare cash or equivalent instruments exceeding SAR 60,000 (approx. USD 16,000).

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol is strictly prohibited for import, possession, or consumption by any traveller, regardless of age or nationality.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$16,000
Amounts of SAR 60,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency, approx. USD 16,000) must be declared on the arrival form. This includes cash, traveler's cheques, and monetary instruments.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to SAR 3,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty at 5%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages and all intoxicating substances
  • Pork and pork products
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior approval)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with special permit from Ministry of Interior)
  • Pornographic materials, including images, videos, and literature
  • Items deemed contrary to Islamic faith, including religious books or artifacts of non-Islamic religions for proselytizing

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) require a medical prescription and prior approval from the Saudi Ministry of Health
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles require a permit from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters require a license from the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)
  • Live animals, plants, and agricultural products require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit
  • Personal jewelry and precious metals above SAR 60,000 value must be declared

Rules worth knowing

Religious and Cultural Sensitivity

Importing non-Islamic religious materials (e.g., Bibles, crucifixes, statues) for personal use is generally allowed, but proselytizing or distributing them is illegal. Items deemed offensive to Islam may be confiscated.

Gifts and Souvenirs from Pilgrimage (Umrah/Hajj)

Travellers returning from pilgrimage may bring in Zamzam water (up to 5 liters) and personal religious items duty-free, but commercial quantities require a permit.

Electronic Devices and Media

Customs may inspect laptops, phones, and storage devices for prohibited content (e.g., pornography, anti-state material). Failure to comply can lead to fines or detention.

Tobacco Products Tax

Tobacco products exceeding the duty-free allowance are subject to a 100% customs duty plus a 15% value-added tax (VAT).

Frequently asked questions

No. Alcohol is completely prohibited. Any attempt to bring alcohol into the country can result in confiscation, fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Personal electronics (laptop, camera, phone) for personal use are generally allowed duty-free if they are within the SAR 3,000 (USD 800) personal goods allowance. If the total value exceeds that, duty of 5% applies on the excess.
Yes, if they contain controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, amphetamines). You must carry a valid prescription and a medical report. For some medications, prior approval from the Saudi Ministry of Health is required. Always check the Saudi Food and Drug Authority list.
Drones are restricted. You must obtain a permit from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) before travel. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated and you may face fines.
You must declare amounts of SAR 60,000 (approx. USD 16,000) or more on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the funds and a fine of up to 25% of the undeclared amount.
Yes. Pork and pork products are prohibited. Meat and dairy products from countries with certain animal diseases may be restricted. Generally, commercially packaged and sealed food for personal consumption is allowed, but fresh produce, seeds, and plants require a permit.

Official source

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) before travelling.