Free import
• Personal clothing and items for personal use
Prohibited
• Alcoholic beverages are not to be imported under any circumstances
• Israeli currency
• Narcotics
• Pornography (please note! the usual consideration of explicit material does not apply here, and material perfectly acceptable anywhere else may be considered offensive and un-Islamic)
• Pork products
• Religious books and material
• Imitation and counterfeit goods
Restricted
• Currency (both local and foreign), negotiable instruments (cheques, bonds or any other payments methods) or precious metals exceeding SR60,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.
• Weapons, ammunition, explosive materials any type of blades only with permission from Ministry of Interior, otherwise strictly forbidden.
• Pets - of good health certificate, valid vaccination certificates that need to be approved at the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate. The animal needs to be inspected by the quarantine officer upon arrival. As additional certification may be required, please contact the nearest embassy.
• Birds – to import any type of birds a permit from National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development is required.
• Medication – thoroughly documented, in original packaging and supplemented with doctor’s note or proper prescription. An inspection by the Ministry of Health’s representative is required. For further details please contact the nearest embassy or Consulate.
• Electronic equipment for personal use may be checked for potential offensive material. Duty is payable for any type of electronic items, which might be refundable when the same items will be exported within 3 month period. Please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Free Export
• No information available
Prohibited
• No information available
Restricted
• Currency (both local and foreign), negotiable instruments (cheques, bonds or any other payments methods) or precious metals exceeding SR60,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.
• Departure Tax - Payable on airports when leaving the country. Check with your airline if the tax has been incorporated to the ticket fee.
Basic health information for travelers to Saudi Arabia
• Contagious and Rift Valley Fever (RVF) are present in the country.
• Healthcare facilities in major cities in Saudi Arabia are of a high standard. Most towns outside these areas have a health centre or basic hospital.
• All travellers should seek medical advice before travelling to the country and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.
Basic security information for travelers to Saudi Arabia
• Owing to the extreme risk of terrorism and general acts of violence. Travellers should note the continued state of tensions and potential further attacks in Saudi Arabia, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners before travelling to the country.
• There have been clashes with Yemeni rebels on the Saudi-Yemen border. Travellers should exercise caution in all areas close to the Saudi-Yemen border. Please check this advice regularly for further updates.
• Driving standards are considerably lower in the country and roads poorly lit and signposted. Travel late at night is not advised owing to the lack of lighting and poor overall condition of the roads. Roadblocks are often set up by Iranian authorities and any foreign drivers should check that their intended route is still open and safe before beginning their journey.
• Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Islamic believes are central to most local laws and customs. Visitors to the country are advised to avoid any conversation or overt behaviour which could potentially cause offence. Eating or drinking in public during the holy month of Ramadan is not recommended and alcohol cannot be legally consumed in public.
• Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Iran and can carry the death penalty. Intimate contact between Muslim and non Muslim is prohibited and could lead to harsh punishments for all parties involved and all foreign partners of the opposite sex visiting the country should be discreet and careful when showing any signs of affection in the country.
For further assistance please contact the Saudi Arabian Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.
Saudi Arabian Customs contact information
Website: http://www.customs.gov.sa/CustomsNew/default_E.aspx
For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy.
List of Saudi Arabian Embassies all over the world: http://saudi-arabia.visahq.co.uk/embassy/United-Kingdom/
If you have any information about the custom requirements of Saudi Arabia that could be helpful to others, please use this form to post your comments. Any details related to the customs procedures, regulations, or any other specifics about the customs requirements of Saudi Arabia that will help other people will be greatly appreciated.
Kuwait visa
Not required
