New Saudi Customs Cash Rule: SR40,000 Limit
If you travel in and out of Saudi Arabia carrying cash or gold, an important rule just changed. Saudi Arabia has reduced the mandatory declaration threshold for cash, gold, jewelry, and other valuables entering or leaving the Kingdom from SR60,000 to SR40,000 under updated anti-money laundering regulations. Saudi Gazette
For expats, this matters more than it might first seem. Many of us travel home for the summer carrying gifts, gold jewelry, or savings, and the new lower limit means amounts that were fine to carry quietly before now need to be formally declared. The revised rules require travelers to submit a written declaration if they are carrying cash, bearer instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones, jewelry, or similar valuables worth SR40,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency. Saudi Gazette
How do you declare? The simplest route is to do it before you reach the airport. ZATCA lets travelers declare electronically before arriving at the port through the ZATCA mobile app on iOS or Google Play, or through the declaration page on the authority's website, or in person at declaration offices in the customs ports. ZATCA
The penalties for skipping this step are serious. ZATCA now has expanded powers to inspect individuals, vehicles, containers, and parcels, and may seize undeclared or falsely declared valuables for up to 72 hours where money laundering is suspected, even below the threshold. First-time violations that don't involve suspected money laundering carry fines of 10 to 25 percent of the value of the undeclared assets, rising to 50 percent for repeat offences. Saudi GazetteGulf News
So before your next trip, the rule of thumb is simple: if the combined value of your cash and valuables is anywhere near SR40,000, declare it. The process takes a few minutes on your phone and protects you from fines, seizures, and a stressful conversation at customs. When you're unsure whether something counts, it's always safer to declare than to assume.
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Q&A section:
FAQ Question: How much cash can I carry through Saudi customs without declaring it?
Answer: As of June 2026, you must declare cash, gold, jewelry, precious metals, or bearer instruments worth SR40,000 or more (or the foreign-currency equivalent) when entering or leaving Saudi Arabia, down from SR60,000. Declare electronically through the ZATCA app or website before you travel. Failing to declare can mean fines from 10 to 25 percent of the value.
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