The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the regulations and procedures for pilgrims who need to carry medications containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for personal use during their stay in the Kingdom.
What Pilgrims Need to Apply
According to the SFDA, applicants must submit a copy of their passport, a valid medical prescription or report issued within the past six months, and a photograph of the medication and its outer packaging. They must also agree to an electronic declaration within the application before it is submitted.
How Much Medication Is Allowed
The SFDA stated that the permitted quantity must not exceed a 30-day supply or the length of the pilgrim’s stay in the Kingdom — whichever is shorter — based on the dosage specified in the medical prescription or report.
How to Apply
Pilgrims can submit their application by creating a Personal Traveler Account through the Electronic Controlled Drugs System (CDS) at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa/. A user manual in both Arabic and English is available on the SFDA’s official website at https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/regulations/4271273.
Why These Rules Are in Place
The SFDA described the measures as part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at facilitating pilgrims’ entry into the Kingdom while maintaining strict control over the handling of controlled substances. The Authority said the initiative reflects its commitment to the safety and well-being of all visitors to the Holy Sites.
