التطبيق اليوم.. فسح إلزامي مسبق لأدوية المسافرين المحتوية على مواد مخدّرة

Saudi Arabia officially began today, Saturday, November 1, 2025, implementing a decision that requires all travelers arriving in or departing from the Kingdom to obtain prior permission for the importation of medications containing narcotic substances or psychotropic agents before entering or leaving, according to the General Authority for Ports "Mawani".

Standardizing Procedures at Ports

The authority clarified in an official circular that the new procedure aims to standardize regulatory controls and ensure the safety of the procedures followed at all ports of the Kingdom, in implementation of a circular issued by the General Authority for Food and Drug, and to activate the executive regulations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Law.

Prior Disclosure Before Travel

Under the decision, patients or their representatives are required to disclose in advance the restricted medications with the General Authority for Food and Drug, and to complete the necessary legal steps to obtain the required clearance approval before the travel date, allowing them to carry these medications legally.

Enhancing Health Security

This regulation aims to tighten control over the entry and exit of controlled substances and ensure their use is limited to legitimate medical purposes, in addition to protecting the community and enhancing the health security system in the Kingdom in line with the best international practices.

Electronic Clearance Steps

The General Authority for Food and Drug indicated that applications are submitted through its electronic platform "Restricted Medications System," where travelers can create an account, fill in the required data, and submit documents such as prescriptions, medical reports, a photo of the medication, and proof of identity. The service also allows the addition of more than one medication and the entry of detailed information about the trade name, active substance, concentration, and quantity, while tracking the application status electronically until the final approval is issued.