Codeine (Medication) 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Codeine-containing medications require an SFDA import permit when the cumulative dose exceeds 200 mg.
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into Saudi Arabia?
Codeine-containing medications require an SFDA import permit when the cumulative dose exceeds 200 mg.
≤200 mg cumulative codeine content with valid prescription; >200 mg requires SFDA import permit
- Valid physician's prescription
- SFDA import permit for cumulative doses >200 mg
- Medication in original pharmacy packaging
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) classifies codeine as a controlled substance (Schedule II opioid) under the Pharmaceutical Products Regulations and the Saudi Narcotics Control framework. Travellers carrying codeine-containing medications (e.g., co-codamol, codeine phosphate syrup) with a cumulative dose exceeding 200 mg must obtain a prior import permit from the SFDA before arriving in Saudi Arabia. For quantities within 200 mg cumulative, a valid prescription from a licensed physician is required and must be carried with the medication. ZATCA customs officers may confiscate medications that are not accompanied by correct documentation.
Available. Saudi ZATCA accepts voluntary surrender of controlled medications at King Abdulaziz International Airport and other POEs. Declare at the Red Channel. Written abandonment request accepted. Proactive surrender significantly reduces risk of prosecution under Saudi Controlled Substances Act.
Apply for an SFDA import permit well before travel if your codeine prescription exceeds the threshold. Carry all medications in original labelled packaging with the prescription and doctor's letter. Declare at the red channel.
≤200 mg cumulative codeine content with valid prescription; >200 mg requires SFDA import permit
- Valid physician's prescription
- SFDA import permit for cumulative doses >200 mg
- Medication in original pharmacy packaging
Saudi Narcotics Control Law (Royal Decree M/39); SFDA Pharmaceutical Products Regulations; ZATCA controlled medication import guidelines
This page covers destination customs rules in Saudi Arabia. Whether you can carry codeine (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Saudi Arabia is named by GCC historical Israel boycott (largely relaxed 2020-2023). Commercial and high-value movements may require a licence or blocking-regulation check. Personal travelers should verify whether the specific item or payment method is caught.
Codeine (Medication) rules in other countries
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Controlled narcotic. Must declare and carry a valid prescription and Ministry of Health permit.
Codeine (Medication)
🇯🇵 Japan
Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇸🇬 Singapore
Controlled drug. Requires prior authorisation from HSA for amounts exceeding 3 days' supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇺 Australia
Prescription required since 2018
Codeine (Medication)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
Codeine (Medication)
🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required