Can I send medicine to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with conditions.
Needs SFDA personal-use clearance with a recent prescription, up to a 3-month supply. Controlled medicines can't be sent by courier.
For every Onvoyo box: Onvoyo can't carry prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medicine and vitamins follow the destination's own rules.
More rules for Saudi Arabia
Not allowed
- Narcotics and intoxicating pills of any kind
- Pills, creams, herbs, and sexual tonics not registered with SFDA, and abortion pills
- Vaccines, blood or plasma products, and medicines that must be used under medical supervision
Allowed with conditions
- Medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products
- Need SFDA personal-use clearance: the application form, a prescription or medical report no older than 6 months showing the dose and length of treatment, an ID copy, the purchase invoice, and the waybill. The limit is a 3-month supply, with no repeat request in that period. Controlled narcotic and psychotropic medicines can't be sent by courier or post at all.
Quantity limits
- Medicines (shipments)
- Up to a 3-month supply with SFDA personal-use clearance, and no repeat request within that period.
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 medicine to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with conditions. Needs SFDA personal-use clearance with a recent prescription, up to a 3-month supply. Controlled medicines can't be sent by courier.
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) - 9.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
Submit Customs Declaration for Travelers (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Saudi Arabia makes the final decision on every box.