All you need to know about new guidelines for traveling with medicines to Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued new guidelines to make it easier for travelers carrying controlled medicines such as narcotics and psychotropic substances. The authority has launched an online clearance system that allows passengers to obtain permits digitally, avoiding delays and ensuring smooth travel.
New process through CDS platform
The clearance procedure has been centralized under the Controlled Drug System (CDS), accessible at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa. All travelers, whether arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia, are required to obtain a permit if they are carrying such medications for personal or patient use.
What are controlled medicines?
Controlled medicines are drugs that can have a strong effect on the brain and body. Because of this, they can sometimes be misused or lead to dependence if not taken under medical supervision. Examples include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, medicines for anxiety, or some psychiatric treatments.
In Saudi Arabia, these medicines are strictly regulated under the law. Travelers are not allowed to bring them in or take them out of the country without official permission. Even if you have a valid prescription, you must get a clearance permit before carrying them.
To apply, passengers need to:
- Create an account on the CDS platform
- Submit an electronic permit request with personal and travel details
- Upload supporting documents including a valid prescription, a medical report, and proof of identity
- Declare medication details such as trade name, active ingredients, dosage, and quantity
- Confirm medical necessity of the drugs
- Agree to SFDA terms and conditions
Applicants can track the status of their request in real time under four categories: submitted, completed, rejected, or incomplete. Once approved, the permit can be downloaded and printed directly from the platform.
According to SFDA, the initiative balances patient accessibility with public safety. The move aims to prevent misuse of sensitive medicines, while ensuring genuine patients have uninterrupted access to their prescribed drugs.
By shifting the entire process online, the authority has reduced paperwork and in-person visits. Applications can now be submitted from anywhere, at any time, offering relief especially to patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs.
About the SFDA
Established in 2003, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority is an independent body under the Council of Ministers. Its mandate includes monitoring food, medicines, biological and chemical substances, medical devices, and cosmetics to protect public health in the Kingdom.
Key FAQs
Is a permit required for prescribed narcotic medicines?
Yes. A clearance permit is mandatory for all controlled drugs.
Where should travelers apply?
Applications must be submitted online via SFDA’s Controlled Drug System (https://cds.sfda.gov.sa).
What documents are needed?
A valid prescription, a medical report, proof of identity, and full details of the medicines.
Can applications be made on behalf of someone else?
Yes, provided the applicant can prove the medical need of the patient.
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23-year-old woman found dead at Delhi home; suicide suspected
New Delhi (PTI): A 23-year-old woman was found dead in her house in Delhi's Prem Nagar area, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, an official said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Anjali Singh, was found motionless in her room on Monday by her sister and her neighbour.
Police said her father, Vinod Kumar Singh (51), told them that he and his wife were away at work at the time of the incident, while their son and the other daughter were also not at home at the time of the incident.
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According to the family, the room in which Anjali was found was locked from the inside. The door was later forcibly opened by a neighbour and her sister with the help of a crowbar.
Her body was found lying on the bed inside the room, police said.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Anjali had allegedly hanged herself using a piece of cloth tied to the ceiling fan.
It is suspected that the noose eventually might have loosened or torn off, resulting in her being found lying on the bed.
Family members informed the police that Anjali was a final-year student of a librarian science course from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). About a week ago, her final-year examination results were declared, and she had failed, following which she had been under depression, they said.
The family has not raised any allegation of foul play, police said, adding that no suicide note or external injury marks were found on the body during the initial inspection.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated in the matter as per the law. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, and further investigation is underway, police added.
