Travellers to Saudi Arabia Must Now Declare Cash and Gold Worth SAR 40,000

Last updated: Jul 4, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s new traveller declaration threshold for cash, gold and similar valuables is lower now.

This is a declaration rule, not a ban on carrying money or jewellery, and ZATCA says disclosure helps protect travellers from being treated as money-laundering, smuggling or tax-evasion cases.

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How much you need to declare when you travel to Saudi Arabia

The new cash threshold is SAR 40,000 or more.

ZATCA lists currency, monetary instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, precious stones and fine jewellery among the items covered by the rule.

Cash: declare Saudi riyals or foreign currency when the value reaches the SAR 40,000 traveller disclosure trigger.
Monetary instruments: declare transferable financial instruments or bearer negotiable tools covered by the ZATCA declaration form rules.
Gold and valuables: declare gold bullion, precious metals, precious stones or fine jewellery when the value reaches SAR 40,000 or more.

The same declaration logic applies on arrival and departure, because ZATCA describes the procedure as compulsory for each traveller to or from Saudi Arabia.

Cash and gold are not the only items that can trigger a customs declaration, because ZATCA also lists high-value gifts, commercial quantities, tobacco above limits, and restricted or prohibited goods in its traveller guidance.

Gifts and personal purchases: ZATCA says traveller luggage and gifts are exempt only when they have personal traits, are not commercial quantities, are not prohibited or restricted, and do not exceed SAR 3,000 or its equivalent.
Tobacco products: ZATCA says travellers must disclose tobacco derivative products if the quantity exceeds 200 cigarettes or 500 grams.
Restricted items: ZATCA gives medicines and drones as examples of items that may require approval from competent authorities.
Prohibited items: ZATCA lists items such as drugs, counterfeit currencies, fireworks, and secret-camera items on its prohibited goods page.

If your purchases may be taxable, ZATCA’s Customs and Tax Calculator Service lets users estimate customs duties and taxes for imported goods.

How to declare before and at the airport

You can start the declaration online before you reach Saudi customs through ZATCA’s e-Declaration page or the official traveller declaration form.

Cash, bearer negotiable tools and precious metals at SAR 40,000 or more still require an office visit, because ZATCA says travellers carrying those items must complete the procedure at the Customs Declaration Office even after using the electronic declaration.

For cash and valuables: complete the online declaration if possible, then visit the Customs Declaration Office at the port.
For gifts or tobacco: ZATCA says some electronic declarations can be completed through the app or website, with taxes and fees paid directly online.
For restricted or prohibited goods: ZATCA says travellers must visit the declaration office at the port to complete the declaration procedures.

Keep receipts, passport details and value documents close, because ZATCA’s luggage guidance lists receipts, passport or ID documents, and traveller entry documents among the paperwork used for customs processing.

What happens if you do not declare

Failure to declare SAR 40,000 or more can lead to a 25% fine on the seized value for a first violation, according to ZATCA’s penalties explanation on the traveller declaration page.

A repeat violation can lead to a 50% fine on the seized value. ZATCA says these percentage fines apply only if suspicion of a link to an original crime or money-laundering offence is negated under its stated procedure.

If suspicion remains: the full amount may be seized, the traveller may be referred to Public Prosecution, and the court may order confiscation, imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine up to SAR 5 million, or both.
If restricted or prohibited items are not declared: items may be confiscated, customs fines may be imposed, and the case may be referred to the relevant authorities or customs court.

Do not carry items for someone else, because ZATCA warns travellers that they are responsible if prohibited items are found in their possession.

Before you fly into Saudi Arabia

Check your flight timing before travelling with cash or valuables, especially if you are arriving into Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or Medina and may need time for the customs declaration office.

If you are close to the SAR 40,000 threshold, calculate the Saudi-riyal value of your cash and valuables before departure and leave extra time for ZATCA’s official declaration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring more than SAR 40,000 into Saudi Arabia?

Yes, but you must declare it. The declaration applies if you are carrying currency, monetary instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, precious stones or fine jewellery at SAR 40,000 or more.

Does jewellery count under the Saudi rule?

Yes. Fine jewellery and precious stones count when their value reaches ZATCA’s declaration threshold, so keep receipts or valuation documents if you are travelling with high-value pieces.

Can I complete everything online?

Not always. ZATCA says cash, bearer negotiable tools and precious metals at SAR 40,000 or more still require completion at the Customs Declaration Office.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.