Bringing Prescription Drugs into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Travel

Bringing Prescription Drugs into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Travelers

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stringent regulations regarding the importation of prescription drugs and medical materials. It is essential for travelers to be aware of these regulations to avoid any issues during their trip. In this article, we will outline the necessary procedures and requirements for clearing prescription drugs for personal use in Saudi Arabia.

Prohibited Items

First and foremost, it is crucial to note that importing banned drugs or medical materials, either in Saudi Arabia or internationally, is strictly prohibited. Additionally, certain prescription drugs listed in Table 1 of Schedule D and Table 2 of Schedule A, as well as items listed in Article (4) of the Drugs and Narcotics Control Law, are also not permitted. Travelers can find more information on these restrictions on the website of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Clearance Procedure

To import prescription drugs for personal use, travelers must submit a request to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority at the port of entry where the drugs will arrive. The following conditions must be met:

1. Accompanying Documents: The prescription medications must be accompanied by either a recent medical report (less than six months old) or a doctor's prescription (less than six months old) that includes the patient's personal information, medical diagnosis, treatment plan, and generic name of the prescription drug.
2. Personal Responsibility: The person importing the prescription medications will be held personally responsible for its lawful use and must agree to limit its usage to the intended patient only.
3. Identification: A copy of the patient's identification document must be provided.

Allowable Quantity

The amount of prescription medicine allowed for import is limited to the duration of the visit or one month's supply, whichever is shorter. The prescription medications must remain valid for use during the clearance period.

Additional Requirements

In cases where the quantity of cleared prescription medications is used up during the patient's stay in Saudi Arabia, the patient must visit a licensed medical facility to verify their need for continued medication. The medical facility will then open a medical file for the patient, and a prescription can be issued. The prescribed drug must be dispensed by a local pharmacy, if available.

Special Cases

For prescription medications that require injection, the clearance process must be completed under the supervision of a local medical institution. The cleared prescription medications must be registered in the medical institution's record for personal use.

Unused Medication

If the quantity of cleared medication exceeds the medical need of the patient, the unused medication must be disposed of in a proper manner.

Traveling with Prescription Drugs

Travelers who are not the patients themselves, such as spouses, parents, children, or siblings, must submit a copy of their identification along with the clearance application. Non-relatives must provide a document showing the patient's consent or authorization to handle their medications.

Contact Information

For further information and guidance, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

By following these guidelines and regulations, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when bringing prescription drugs into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is essential to prioritize compliance with these rules to avoid any issues during your trip.