Can I send books to Saudi Arabia?
Conditions apply
Yes, with conditions.
Allowed in personal quantities. Publications that break Ministry of Media rules or are seen as immoral are banned.
More rules for Saudi Arabia
Allowed with conditions
- Books, films, and other media
- Publications that break Ministry of Media rules, and anything seen as immoral, are banned. Keep books, including religious books, to personal quantities.
Before you ship to Saudi Arabia
- Tax-free limit
- Personal shipments worth less than SAR 1,000 (about $267) in total, counting the goods, shipping, and insurance, pay no customs duty, as long as no other agency has to approve the contents. ZATCA publishes this rule for personal goods bought online from abroad. VAT at 15% is due from the first riyal, whatever the value.
- Receiver ID
- National ID number (Saudi citizens) or Iqama number (residents) needed. ZATCA needs the importer's full name and civil ID number on every personal courier shipment. It does not require a copy of the ID card itself, so the number is enough. Visitors without a Saudi ID should check with the courier before shipping.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from Europe and the Gulf; 3-6 from North America and Asia
Questions
Can I send books to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with conditions. Allowed in personal quantities. Publications that break Ministry of Media rules or are seen as immoral are banned.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
Restricted or Prohibited Goods (opens in a new tab) - 2.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
Guidelines for Travelers (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)
Conditions and Requirements for the Clearance or Exportation of Individuals for Personal Use (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
E-Store Customers (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Customs Union of the GCC Member States (opens in a new tab) - 7.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
Personal Importation (opens in a new tab) - 8.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
Luggage (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Saudi Arabia makes the final decision on every box.