Riyadh, August 30, 2025 – The Saudi government has introduced new regulations requiring travelers to Saudi Arabia to obtain prior approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for carrying medications, particularly controlled substances like painkillers, sleeping pills, or psychiatric drugs. Applications must be submitted through the SFDA’s Controlled Drugs System (CDS) portal at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa, designed to facilitate legal transport of medications and prevent delays at entry ports.
Steps to Obtain Approval:
- Account Creation: Register a personal account on the CDS portal (https://cds.sfda.gov.sa).
- Application Submission: Provide personal details, travel information, and specifics of the medications.
- Document Upload: Submit a valid medical prescription, a doctor’s medical report, and an identity document (passport or resident ID).
- Medication Details: Declare the medication’s name, composition, administration method (tablet/injection), quantity, and packaging size.
- Medical Verification: Confirm the medication is for personal or family use only.
- Agree to Terms: Accept SFDA regulations before submitting the application.
- Track Application: Monitor the application status online to check approval or rejection.
- Approval Letter: Download and print the approval letter to carry during travel.
The new system eliminates the need for in-person visits to authorities, offering a 24/7 accessible portal for convenience and time savings. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline processes for travelers while ensuring compliance with drug regulations, similar to UAE’s medication import rules (Web ID: 23).
Critical Note: The regulations enhance traveler convenience but require strict adherence to avoid legal issues. Lack of clarity on processing times or specific restricted medications could pose challenges. Travelers must verify the SFDA’s list of controlled substances and apply well in advance to ensure smooth entry.
FAQs:
- Is a prescription enough? No, approval via the CDS portal is mandatory for all medications.
- Where to apply? Exclusively through the CDS platform (https://cds.sfda.gov.sa).
- Can I apply for someone else? Yes, with their medical documentation.
- How to check application status? Track directly on the CDS portal.
- What after approval? Download and carry a printed approval letter.
