Starting November 1, 2025, travelers entering or leaving Saudi Arabia will need to register certain prescription medications in advance. The new regulation requires all travelers to obtain electronic clearance from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for specific drugs, including common prescriptions for pain, anxiety, and ADHD.
Medications affected by this rule include Alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine), Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Vicodin), Zolpidem (Ambien), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Diazepam (Valium), codeine-containing medications, Pregabalin (Lyrica), and Tramadol (Ultram). A full list of regulated medications is available on the SFDA website under “Tables.” Travelers must submit clearance requests through the Controlled Drug System at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa/.
Those who arrive or depart with these medications without prior clearance may face issues at Customs or could be stopped from entering or leaving the country. More details about the policy can be found on the SFDA’s official news page at https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/news/4292351.
Travelers seeking assistance can contact U.S. Embassy Riyadh, U.S. Consulate General Jeddah, or U.S. Consulate General Dhahran. Contact information for each location is provided in the announcement. The U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs also offers support via phone.
The U.S. government recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security alerts while traveling in Saudi Arabia.