Travelers entering or leaving Saudi Arabia should be aware of an important change to the Kingdom’s customs declaration rules. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has reduced the mandatory declaration threshold from SAR 60,000 to SAR 40,000.
Under the updated regulations, anyone carrying cash, negotiable financial instruments, gold bars, precious metals, gemstones, jewelry, or their equivalents with a combined value of SAR 40,000 or more must submit a customs declaration when entering or departing Saudi Arabia.
Previously, the declaration requirement applied only to amounts or valuables worth SAR 60,000 or more. The revised threshold means that travelers carrying between SAR 40,000 and SAR 59,999 must now also complete the declaration process.
Items That Must Be Declared
Travelers are required to declare if the total value reaches SAR 40,000 or more for:
- Cash in Saudi Riyals or foreign currencies
- Negotiable financial instruments
- Gold bars or precious metals
- Precious gemstones
- Jewelry and their equivalents
Why the Declaration Is Required
According to ZATCA, customs declarations help strengthen financial transparency, combat money laundering, and ensure compliance with Saudi customs regulations. Declaring eligible items does not necessarily mean they will be taxed or confiscated; it is simply a legal reporting requirement.
The updated threshold applies to both residents and visitors entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. Travelers planning to carry significant amounts of cash, gold, jewelry, or other valuables are advised to review the latest customs declaration requirements before their journey to avoid delays or penalties.
Failure to declare items that meet the threshold may result in penalties in accordance with Saudi customs laws.
How to Declare
Travelers can submit their customs declaration electronically through the official ZATCA website or the ZATCA mobile application before traveling. Customs officers may also request additional verification at airports, land border crossings, or seaports.
