Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict Travel Rules for Controlled Medications Starting Nov. 1
Starting Saturday, November 1, anyone arriving in or leaving Saudi Arabia through land, air, or sea ports must get prior authorization to carry controlled medications.
This new rule is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to make travel easier for people with medical conditions while ensuring safe and lawful handling of sensitive medicines. Trending: Jawazat explains how to get iqama via Absher
Rules for Controlled Medications
A few months ago, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) explained how travelers can get a clearance permit for controlled drugs that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances.
The regulations clearly ban bringing any medication with these substances into the country without official approval. This rule supports the Kingdom’s national plan to protect public health and control the movement of restricted drugs in line with local and international laws.
What Travelers Must Do
According to the government, travelers cannot bring in or take out controlled drugs unless they first get clearance from the official SFDA system.
They must declare the medications they are carrying and provide the required documents.
This step helps authorities monitor the entry and exit of sensitive medications and ensures that all health and safety rules are followed. Most Viewed: SFDA launches Rasid service to regulate travelers medications
How to Apply for a Controlled Drug Permit
The SFDA has provided full instructions on how travelers can apply for a personal clearance permit for controlled medications.
All details are available on the Controlled Drug System (CDS) website: https://cds.sfda.gov.sa
To apply, travelers must:
1. Create a personal account on the CDS platform.
2. Submit an online permit request with the patient’s details and travel information.
3. Upload supporting documents, such as:
➤ A valid medical prescription
➤ A medical report explaining the need for the drug
➤ A proof of identity (like a passport or ID card)
Travelers can include multiple medications in the same application by providing accurate details such as:
✅ Trade name of the medicine
✅ Active ingredient
✅ Drug concentration
✅ Dosage form
✅ Quantity or pack size
Applicants must also provide documents proving that the medication is needed, either for themselves or for another patient. See Also: Saudi Arabia shortens Umrah visa validity
Application Review and Tracking
Before submitting, applicants must agree to the terms and conditions.
After submitting their request, they can check its status in the CDS system, which will show:
🔹 Submitted
🔹 Completed
🔹 Rejected
🔹 Incomplete
After approval, travelers can print their permit directly from the CDS system. Recommend: How to renew exit re-entry visa from outside Saudi Arabia
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| Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict Travel Rules for Controlled Medications Starting Nov. 1 |