Starting November 1, 2025, travelers to and from Saudi Arabia will need to register certain prescription medications before entering or leaving the country. The new regulation affects both residents and visitors who carry medications such as pain relievers, anxiety treatments, and drugs prescribed for ADHD.
The list of medications requiring advance electronic clearance includes Alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine), Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Vicodin), Zolpidem (Ambien), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Diazepam (Valium), codeine-containing medicines, Pregabalin (Lyrica), and Tramadol (Ultram). Travelers are advised to consult the full list of regulated substances available on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s website under “Tables.”
According to the announcement: "Under the new rule, all travelers to the Kingdom will be required to obtain an electronic clearance from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for listed medications. Clearance must be obtained online in advance of arrival in the Kingdom and prior to departing the Kingdom with the listed prescription drug(s)."
Travelers can submit their clearance requests through the Controlled Drug System at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa/. Those who attempt to enter or exit Saudi Arabia with any of these drugs without proper authorization may face issues at customs or could be stopped from traveling.
Further details about this regulation are provided by SFDA at https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/news/4292351.
For additional assistance regarding these requirements, travelers can contact U.S. Embassy Riyadh or either of the U.S. Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran using their published phone numbers and email addresses.
Information on travel requirements for Saudi Arabia is also available via official U.S. Department of State resources.