Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Alcohol / Spirits → Saudi Arabia
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Completely prohibited. Zero tolerance under Islamic law.
Details
Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits the importation, possession, and consumption of alcohol under Islamic law and the relevant Saudi regulations. There are no duty-free alcohol allowances for any traveller entering Saudi Arabia — including non-Muslims and non-citizens. Alcohol found in luggage at Saudi airports will be confiscated. Under the GCC Common Customs Law, smuggling prohibited goods carries a fine of one to three times the value of the goods, imprisonment of six months to three years, or either; no official alcohol-specific figure is published. Diplomatic and international compound areas have historically had informal access, but this does not constitute legal importation.
Quantity limit
Zero tolerance
Legal reference
Royal Decree prohibiting alcohol; Customs Authority enforcement directives
Leaving with this item
Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia; there is no lawful personal export of spirits.
IATA dangerous goods
Alcohol / Spirits is classified under Class 3 — Flammable liquids. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.
Sanctions screening
Saudi Arabia is named by GCC historical Israel boycott (largely relaxed 2020-2023). Commercial or high-value movements may require a licence.
Practical advice
Do not bring any alcohol into Saudi Arabia. This includes wine in food products such as rum cake or spirits in chocolates if customs considers them above trace quantities.
Customs authority
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) · https://www.zatca.gov.sa