Saudi Arabia have banned for importing few products into their kingdom. Import of certain articles is either prohibited or requires special approval from the Saudi authorities. Import of agricultural seeds, live animals and fresh frozen meat they all require special approval from the Saudi authorities.
This includes non-Islamic religious materials, pork, alcohol products and illicit drugs. The Saudi customs and postal officials widely define what is contrary to Islam and therefore prohibit it.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Alcohol-containing items, flavoring extracts, cooking wines, liquor, items containing liquor
- Wine making kits, alcohol distilling equipment, books on manufacturing of such drinks or any foods with alcohol as ingredient such as vanilla extract.
- Narcotics
- Medicines WITHOUT prescription for personal use are prohibited and subject to possible confiscation) All kinds of medicines including injections for diabetic patients are allowed as long as they are accompanied by doctor’s prescription and is to be for personal use only
- Dangerous and hazardous chemicals
- Natural pearls (cultured pearls allowed in small quantity)
- Radio transmitter/communication equipment (including walkie-talkies, short-wave, VHF, marine, police band equipment, etc.)
- Binoculars, night-vision equipment or telescopic equipment, drones
- Products containing pork
- Products containing frog meat
- All types of statues or objects of human or animal form which might be used for religious purposes and worship such as Buddha figurines, religious carvings, altars etc. *Does not include kids toys such as stuffed animals, dolls.
- Games of gambling (chess, dice, backgammon, poker chips, roulette etc.)
- All weapons and firearms (real or ornamental), including guns, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, spears and other edged weapons, etc. (owner subject to investigation, fines, and/or imprisonment)
- All Pornographic material such as books, DVD’s, magazines etc. *Women’s Fashion magazines with images of models in revealing clothing might be confiscated.
- Politically sensitive material
- Articles and books contrary to Muslim or Saudi Arabian beliefs or morality will not be allowed into the country
- Christmas trees, crosses, crucifixes, stars of david or any other items associated with religions other than the Muslim faith. *Bibles are allowed for personal use only, ie one Bible per person. Read this post about Christmas trees on black market in Saudi Arabia: Black Market Christmas tree
- Military uniforms or equipment of any kind
- Taxidermy, ivory, fur
- Israeli Shegel
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