The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has issued an advisory urging Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia to secure prior approval before carrying certain medicines classified as restricted under the Kingdom’s regulations. The advisory follows the rollout of a mandatory online clearance system by Saudi authorities.
According to the NCB, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control’s India Country Office in Saudi Arabia has informed Indian authorities that several medicines commonly and legally used in India or other countries may either be prohibited or subject to strict controls in the Kingdom. Travellers have therefore been advised to verify the status of their medications well in advance of travel.
Saudi Arabia has introduced an electronic permission process for travellers carrying medicines for personal use while entering or exiting the country. Under the updated framework, travellers must obtain electronic clearance from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for specific prescription drugs. The approval must be secured online prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia and before departure when carrying such medicines out of the country.
Applications can be submitted through the Controlled Drug System (CDS) portal, available at cds.sfda.gov.sa, which facilitates online submission and approval requests. The SFDA has also published a detailed list of medicines requiring clearance on its official website under the “Tables” section.
The NCB cautioned that travellers who attempt to carry listed medications without the necessary electronic authorisation may face issues at Customs, including possible denial of entry or exit. Indian travellers have been advised to review the guidelines carefully and complete the approval process in advance to avoid inconvenience during their journey.
 has said. The Kingdom has introduced a mandatory electronic permit system through the cds.sfda.gov.sa platform for medications intended for personal use. Travellers are advised to consult Saudi’s official list of restricted drugs and secure approvals before departure to avoid regulatory action.){kind=link}