CUSTOMS

IMPORT REGULATIONS

You must meet the following requirements to import cats and dogs into Saudi Arabia:

You must fill out an application for a pet entry or exit permit. This must be submitted at least five days before departure and is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
The pet must have an electronic microchip or another form of identification.
Entry into Saudi Arabia must be through the specified port in the permit.
Applicants for dog permits must be aged 21 years or older, whilst applicants for cat permits must be aged 18 years or older.
They must be accompanied by an original health certificate from a Government authority, which include details of an up to date valid rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must remain valid for at least six months.
Pets must be aged at least four months old.
Individual applicants can obtain one import permit every six months with a maximum of two animals per permit.
Dogs must belong to the breeds allowed to be imported into Saudi Arabia.

The following breeds of dog are prohibited from being imported into Saudi Arabia:

You must meet the following requirements to import rodents and rabbits into Saudi Arabia:

You must submit an application for an Import Rodents and Rabbits Permit. This application must be submitted 15 days before departure.
The import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
The animals will be placed under quarantine under the Veterinary Quarantine System.
The animal must be identified by a passport or other means of identification.
They must enter through the specified port indicated in the permit.
If the rabbits and rodents are endangered species, or are included in the lists of the National Center for Wildlife Development, you will need to obtain approval to obtain a CITES licence.

You must meet the following requirements to import live birds into Saudi Arabia:

You must submit an application for an Import Live Birds Permit. This application must be submitted 15 days before departure.
The permit will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
The animals will be placed under quarantine under the Veterinary Quarantine System.
They must be identified by an electronic chip or other means of identification.
Import is allowed only from countries in which importation is permitted.
They must enter through the specified port indicated in the permit.

For more information, please visit the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture electronic portal.

Personal effects and gifts to the value of SAR3000.
Any amount of currency is permitted for import, but amounts exceeding SAR60,000 must be declared.
Medication must be accompanied by a prescription.

Narcotics.
Discs and storage devices that contain immoral materials.
Counterfeit currencies.
Fireworks of all shapes and types.
Prohibited chewing smoke.
Tear softeners.
Weapons and ammunition.
Any item that contains a secret camera, such as watches, pens, glasses and airplanes.
Laser pens.
All types of electric shocks.
Speed radar detectors.
Guru fruits.
Books and publications that violate the regulations of the Ministry of Media.
Pills, creams, sexual tonics, abortion pills, herbs and lotions not registered with the Food & Drug Administration.
Nutmeg fruit and its powder.
Sexual organs, tools and devices.
Eavesdropping devices.

Plants, their derivative products, fertilisers and pesticides are subject to examination and quarantine by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture.
Edible eggs must bear the seal of the producing country.
Tobacco products must bear warning phrases and an ingredient list.
Chemical substances require permission from the competent authority.
All imported publications require approval by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Distillation devices require approval by the Ministry of Health or any of its branches with regard to medical and scientific purposes.
Electrical appliances must conform to the standard specifications of Saudi Arabia.
Firearms intended for hunting require prior approval by the competent authorities.
Military clothing requires permission by the competent authority.
Metal and jewellery detecting devices require permission from the competent authorities.
Signs resembling traffic signs require approval by the competent authorities.
Fire extinguishing powder containers and fire alarm devices.
Mail processing machines.
Antiques.
Vehicle ornaments resembling military ranks.
Drone aircraft.
Fishing boats.
Ozone depleting substances.
Endangered animals, plants, and their derivative products protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may require protected species permits.
Television receiver cards.
Gas cylinders shall be presented to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.

Livestock, including horses.
Baby milk.
Animal feeds such as barley and Sudanese sorghum.
Poultry feeds such as yellow corn and soya beans.
Natural sand and sand containing minerals.
Gas cylinders with the specifications of the National Gas and Industrial Company (GASCO).
Zamzam water.

Wild animals require approval by the Saudi Wildlife Authority.
Wheat requires approval by the Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organisation.
Oil derivatives require approval by the General Organisation of Petroleum and Minerals according to a letter signed by the governor or his deputy.
Medicament of all kinds.
Antiques require approval by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.
Scrap batteries require approval by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment.
Refilled gas cylinders require attachment of the GASCO invoice.
Endangered animals require approval by the Saudi Wildlife Authority.
Any funds exceeding SAR60,000 or its foreign equivalent must be declared.

For further information, please visit Saudi Customs.