Saudi Arabia: Arrivals required to declare possessions
Violators could face hefty fines and prosecution
Cairo: Passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia are required to declare their personal purchases or gifts, and pay related customs if their value exceeds SR3,000 or their equivalent in foreign currency, authorities have said.
The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority also urged travellers coming to or departing from the kingdom to present a signed statement in case they have banknotes, jewellery or precious items valued at SR60,000 or above or their equivalent in foreign currency.
Passengers carrying items prohibited or restricted in the kingdom, including cigarettes and tobacco are required to electronically declare them via an app for travellers or the authority’s website, customs.gov.sa.
Cash money
Failing to make the declaration or provide wrong information is punishable by a fine of 25 per cent of the value of the seized contrabands or cash money for first-time offenders.
The fine increases to reach 50 per cent of the value in case of repetition, provided the seized items are not linked to a suspected crime or money laundering.
Should such suspicions arise, the money or the items would be impounded and the offender referred to public prosecution.