Saudi Customs Records 1,147 Prohibited-Item Seizures

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) recorded 1,147 seizures of prohibited items across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air customs ports, part of ongoing efforts to secure borders and protect public safety.

The seizures included 48 types of narcotics and 270 prohibited substances. Authorities also foiled 839 tobacco-smuggling attempts and nine cash-smuggling cases during the same monitoring period.

What travelers must declare

To avoid penalties, travelers are reminded of the declaration thresholds when entering or leaving the Kingdom. Cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, gemstones, or jewelry exceeding 40,000 ريال سعودي must be declared. The same applies to commercial quantities or goods exceeding 3,000 ريال سعودي, and tobacco exceeding 200 cigarettes or 500 grams.

Restricted items that require prior approval, such as medicines and drones, must also be declared. Travelers can submit their declaration through the electronic customs declaration service or directly to customs officials at the port. There is no fixed fee for submitting a declaration, though applicable duties, taxes, or charges depend on the goods.

Prohibited items and penalties

Prohibited items include alcohol, narcotics, fireworks, eavesdropping devices, radar detectors, unlicensed media, sexual devices, counterfeit currency, and unregistered medicines or cosmetics. Such items may be confiscated, followed by a customs fine and referral to the relevant authorities.

Cases may be referred to the Customs Court, which can order confiscation, fines, imprisonment, or both. Penalties may be doubled for repeat violations. The reminder matters for the many residents and travelers who move through Saudi ports, where knowing the rules in advance helps avoid delays and legal consequences.

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