Job Discussion Forums

redgoo · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 11

I will be arriving for my first stint in the KSA very soon. I have read this board for months trying to get a firm handle on what to expect. It has been invaluable to me.

I have one big concern about going through Saudi customs. I have a ton of non-prescription drug store medicines - everything from cold and flu to diarrhea to items that SHOULD have a prescription but do not since they were ordered over the internet.

Will I encounter problems with this going through Saudi customs? Should I dump the whole lot before I go? Thanks

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Not to sound flippant, but you might have a problem getting "a ton of drugs" through Saudi customs.

I have worked in KSA for 6 years now and have only had my luggage searched 2 times. Even then, it was a general swipe on the sides before passing me through. I have also brought non-perscription drugs into the country. However, that doesn't mean that it can't happen. I think it depends on the time of day and how the customs officer is feeling at that moment.

I think it also depends on what you mean by "a ton of drugs". A whole suitcase full would be suspect for sure! They might think you are a dealer and plan to sell them LOL.

I would decide what you really need to bring and leave the rest. There are lots of pharmacies in KSA. You don't really need drugs for diarrhea in the KSA.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Chuck 'em away. You don't need a prescription to buy anything at a Saudi pharmacy and they are as well stocked, and cheaper, as the equivalent in the States.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 1:41 pm Post subject:

By all accounts, Saudi customs are much more relaxed than they used to be. You could still be unlucky, of course, and have your bags taken apart, but chances are they'll just be passed through the x-ray machine without incident. As cmp45 says, it depends on what mood the customs officer is in and how bored he happens to be. In any case, I think what they're really on the lookout for is alcohol and porn (though the latter is quite broadly defined in KSA) - they're not much bothered with a years' supply of aspirin or ibuprofen.

That said, Stephen is right - pharmacists are well-stocked here, prices are relatively low and you don't need a perscription for most things. Codeine is supposed to be banned, but is available in many over the counter drugs.

kanterbrau · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 38

The previous contributors are absolutely right. I'm sure any pharmacy in Saudi will be able to supply you with what you want - and a whole lot more.

It does indeed depend on the mood of the customs offical when he gets to you - quite a good introduction to life in KSA in general. If he does decide to give you a hard time then don't lose your temper as this will only make matters worse, just smile serenely and go along with it. However, I very much doubt this will happen. The only time they got a bit enthusiastic with my luggage was when I had just come back from holiday in Thailand which I thought was fair enough given the drug situation in that part of the world.

The only thing I would be careful of is bringing in favourite CD's or DVD's as they have been known to take any titles they like the look of ( usually something like Jackie Chan and the ilk ) under the pretext of checking for pornographic images, knowing damn well that you won't be bothered to drive out to the airport a week later to reclaim them after they've been "inspected".

But basically, don't worry about it.

Good Luck