🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia— Cash & Currency
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
2026-04-25
Declaration Threshold
US$16,000
SAR
You must declare to customs if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable bearer instruments totaling above this amount when entering or leaving Saudi Arabia.
What Must Be Declared
| Instrument | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Physical currency (any currency) | Yes, if above threshold |
| Traveler's cheques | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bank drafts / money orders | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bearer bonds / negotiable instruments | Yes, if above threshold |
| Credit cards / debit cards | Generally no |
| Electronic payment apps | Generally no |
Failure to declare
Carrying undeclared cash above the threshold can result in seizure of funds, fines, and in some jurisdictions criminal prosecution. When in doubt, declare.
Additional Country Notes
- 01Saudi Arabia is governed by Islamic law (Sharia) which heavily influences what can be imported.
- 02VAT was raised to 15% in July 2020 (from 5%) due to economic pressures from COVID-19.
- 03Saudi Arabia is a GCC member; GCC Unified Customs Law applies.
- 04Saudi Vision 2030 has been liberalizing some import rules (cinemas, entertainment now allowed).
- 05SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) oversees food, drug, and cosmetic imports.
- 06Saudi Arabia enforces strict halal requirements on food imports.
- 07E-invoicing (FATOORAH) is mandatory for VAT-registered businesses.