If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and need to carry prescription medication, especially controlled substances like painkillers, sedatives, or ADHD treatments, you’ll want to pay attention. Saudi Arabia now requires travellers to get official clearance before bringing these kinds of medications into the country.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has recently rolled out a simple online system to apply for what’s called a Clearance Permit for Controlled Drugs. It’s mandatory whether you’re arriving in or leaving the Kingdom with controlled meds.

Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly how to get a clearance permit for controlled drugs when travelling to Saudi Arabia.

What Is a Controlled Drug?

Controlled drugs are medications that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances. These include common prescriptions like:

• Opiates (e.g. morphine, codeine)
• Sleeping pills
• Anti-anxiety medications (e.g. diazepam)
• ADHD medication (e.g. methylphenidate)

If you’re carrying any of these, even for personal use, you’ll need prior approval.

Who Needs This Permit?

• Any traveler (Saudi or foreign) carrying controlled medication.
• This applies for both arrival and departure.
• The permit is needed even if the medication is for someone else (e.g. a child, parent, or patient you’re accompanying).

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Saudi Controlled Drug Permit

Managing medication isn’t always easy, especially when traveling. You’ll need to use the Controlled Drugs System (CDS), which is the SFDA’s official online platform: cds.sfda.gov.sa

Here’s exactly what you need to do:

1. Create an Account

Start at the SFDA’s Controlled Drugs System (CDS). Register with your details. This creates your profile and lets you save and track your permit requests.

2. Request a Clearance

Inside the system, click on “Clearance Request.” At this point, specify who the medication is for. If you’re traveling with your child or someone else, that’s the place to say so.

3. Add Your Travel Details

Input your flight information, including arrival and departure times. Accurate details help customs officials understand when and how you’ll be entering or leaving the country.

4. Upload Required Documents

You’ll need to upload:

• A clear photo of the medication packaging
• The traveler or patient’s ID (passport or national ID)
• Your prescription or a medical report
• Any additional proof if needed (like further doctor’s notes)

5. Provide Medication Information

For each medication you’re carrying, you must supply:

• The product’s trade name
• Active ingredient(s)
• Drug concentration and dosage form
• Quantity or pack size

6. Agree and Submit

Review the terms and conditions before submitting your application. Double-check for missing files or typos.

7. Track Your Application

Once submitted, you can log back in any time and see your application’s progress. Its status will show as “Submitted,” “Completed,” “Rejected,” or “Incomplete.”

8. Print Your Permit

When you see your status turn to “Completed,” just print out the permit. Bring it along for your trip, it’s your official proof at border checkpoints.

Why This Move Matters to Savvy Travelers

The online clearance system shows a balance: Saudi Arabia wants to help people who really need medical care, but it also wants to keep a tight grip on the flow of drugs. This method saves time, lowers stress at the border, and keeps everyone safer.

Stay Prepared: Things to Remember

• Apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute, processing times can vary.
• Double-check your prescription. It must be current and clearly show your need for the medicine.
• Carry your permit with you. Print it or have a digital copy at hand, just in case you’re asked by customs officers.

Need Help?

The SFDA has published a User Manual that walks you through the process in detail. QR codes for the manual and the system are also available in their official poster.

Bottom line

If you’re carrying controlled medication into or out of Saudi Arabia, get your clearance sorted before your trip. It’s quick, digital, and will save you a lot of potential hassle.

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