Saudi Arabia Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Saudi Arabia customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Saudi Arabia enforces strict customs and religious compliance standards, especially for prohibited media, alcohol, and religious materials.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Saudi Arabia, including export packing, sea and air freight services, customs coordination and final delivery in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al-Khobar and other regions.

1. Moving to Saudi Arabia – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Import of Household Goods

Saudi Arabia allows the importation of used household goods when transferring residence if:

You hold a valid residence permit (Iqama), work visa or long-term entry visa
Goods are for personal use and not resale
Items are used and owned prior to shipment
Shipments are declared upon arrival

Important: Saudi Customs inspects shipments more frequently than most countries. New, sealed or high-value items may attract duties.

1.2 Religious & Cultural Restrictions

Saudi Arabia prohibits certain content and items due to religious and cultural sensitivities. This includes materials considered offensive to Islamic values.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Residence permit (Iqama), or visa showing right to enter/work
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory in English or Arabic
Employer introduction letter (if applicable)
Power of attorney for customs clearance

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List all electrical items with brand, model and serial numbers
Avoid generic descriptions like “household items”
Separate new items for tax assessment
Declare restricted goods in advance

H-H Relocations Tip: Electronic devices are closely inspected. Keep receipts and serial numbers ready.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Saudi Arabia

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicle imports are tightly controlled and may attract duty. Age limitations apply to imported vehicles, and left-hand drive vehicles are required.

Vehicles older than 5 years are not permitted for import
Vehicles must meet Saudi emission and compliance standards
Left-hand drive vehicles only

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration certificate
Bill of lading
Proof of ownership
Insurance and conformity certificates
Copy of Iqama or visa

Important: Import duties on vehicles can be significant. Consider total landed cost before shipping a car.

4. Bringing Pets to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia permits the importation of dogs and cats subject to veterinary controls. Certain dog breeds are restricted.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip identification
Veterinary health certificate
Rabies vaccination as per Saudi regulations
Import permit from the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture

Pet Travel Tip: Some breeds of dogs are banned. Always verify eligibility before planning pet relocation.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The importation, possession, sale or consumption of alcohol is illegal. Any alcohol found will be confiscated and may result in fines, penalties or criminal charges.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products may be imported but must be declared. Duty is assessed based on quantity and product type. Large quantities may trigger suspicion of commercial intent and be subject to further inspection.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Food imports must meet Saudi health, halal certification and labeling requirements:

Meat and animal-origin food items must be halal-certified
Non-compliant food may be destroyed at the owner's expense
Plant products may require phytosanitary certificates

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a doctor’s note and may need Saudi FDA approval
Chemicals, laboratory items and hazardous materials require import permits
Weapons, ammunition and drones are banned without prior authorization

Important: Saudi Arabia has some of the strictest customs controls in the world. Always declare controlled goods in advance.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia prohibits the importation of materials that conflict with Islamic law, including:

Alcohol and any alcohol-containing products
Pornographic or morally offensive content
Religious materials intended for proselytizing
Statues, figurines and certain types of artwork
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without permits
Drugs, narcotics and related paraphernalia
Pirated products, counterfeit currency and banned media

Penalties for importing prohibited goods can be severe, including fines, confiscation and criminal charges.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Saudi Arabia

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a successful international move from Toronto to Saudi Arabia, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Confirm visa status and employer sponsorship before shipping
Provide detailed descriptions for electronics and new goods
Do not pack religious materials, alcohol or prohibited media
Ensure cartons are clearly labelled and inventories match exactly

7.2 Why choose a Saudi Arabia relocation specialist

Saudi Arabia’s customs controls are unique. Working with a qualified international moving company provides:

Accurate, compliant documentation
Reduced risk of inspection, delays or shipment rejection
Door-to-door destination support and local coordination
Expertise with GCC customs regulations

Relocation Tip: Avoid packing books, magazines or digital media that could violate Saudi cultural laws. Pre-check all content.

8. Useful Official Links – Saudi Arabia

Saudi government agencies publish official guidelines for customs, food and import rules:

This guide provides an overview of Saudi import regulations. Final decisions rest with the Kingdom’s customs and regulatory authorities.