Saudi Ministry of Health: Pilgrim's Health and current Hajj & Umrah health requirementsOfficial Saudi authority
Health & Travel
Travelling With Medication to Saudi Arabia
What Hajj & Umrah Pilgrims Should Know.
Applies to Hajj & Umrah
If you take regular medication, preparing before your journey can help avoid unnecessary difficulties while travelling.
Guidance based on current information from official Saudi authorities.01
Taking Regular Medication
If you take regular medication, preparing before your journey can help avoid unnecessary difficulties while travelling.
Saudi health authorities provide guidance for pilgrims travelling with regular medication, while additional requirements may apply to certain controlled medicines.
Saudi Ministry of Health guidance advises pilgrims with chronic medical conditions to carry documentation detailing their medical condition, carry sufficient medication for their journey and keep medication in its original packaging.
Where medication requires special storage or temperature control, make suitable arrangements before travelling.
If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication regularly, discuss your travel plans with your treating doctor where appropriate.
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Heat & Medication
Saudi temperatures can be extremely high. Saudi Ministry of Health guidance notes that some medicines may worsen dehydration or interfere with the body's ability to regulate heat. Examples mentioned by the Ministry include certain diuretics.
If this may apply to your medication, speak to your treating doctor before travelling.
Do not adjust or discontinue prescribed medication without appropriate medical advice.
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Does Your Medication Require Saudi Clearance?
Certain medicines containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances are subject to Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations. Travellers carrying such medicines for personal use may need to obtain personal clearance before travelling.
Do not assume that a medicine is permitted simply because it has been legally prescribed in your home country.
Unsure whether clearance is needed?
Do not guess. Check with your prescribing doctor or pharmacist and verify the latest requirements directly with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority before travelling.
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Documents Required
- Copy of the traveller's passport
- Valid medical prescription or medical report issued within the previous 6 months
- Photograph of the medication and its outer packaging
- Medication information and required quantity
- Acceptance of the electronic declaration during the application process
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Quantity Limit
Permitted quantity must not exceed
30 days’ supplyorthe duration of your staywhichever is shorterThe quantity is based on the dosage stated in the medical prescription or medical report.
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How to Apply for Controlled Medication Clearance
Applications are made through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Electronic Controlled Drugs System (CDS).
- 1Create a Personal Traveller Account
- 2Enter the traveller's information
- 3Enter the relevant travel details
- 4Upload the required documents
- 5Enter the medication information
- 6Add additional medicines if necessary
- 7Complete the required declaration and terms
- 8Submit the application
- 9Track the application status
- 10Retain the approved clearance for travel
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Before You Travel Checklist
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Official Sources
Saudi Ministry of Health: Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, 1447H / 2026Official Saudi authority
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: Regulations for pilgrims carrying controlled medicationsOfficial Saudi authority
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: Electronic Controlled Drugs SystemOfficial Saudi authority
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: Traveller clearance user guideOfficial Saudi authority
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: Personal-use permit requirementsOfficial Saudi authority