Can I send electronics to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with conditions.
Personal devices are fine with batteries installed. Hidden cameras, eavesdropping devices, and radar detectors are banned, and drones need approval.
For every Onvoyo box: Devices are fine with the battery installed and switched off. Loose lithium batteries and power banks can't go by air.
More rules for Saudi Arabia
Not allowed
- Stun guns and other electric shock devices, and tear gas
- Eavesdropping devices, and hidden cameras in watches, pens, glasses, and similar items
Allowed with conditions
- Drones
- Restricted goods that need approval from the competent authority before import. Expect them to be held until approved.
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 electronics to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with conditions. Personal devices are fine with batteries installed. Hidden cameras, eavesdropping devices, and radar detectors are banned, and drones need approval.
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.