Declare cash, goods and jewelry worth more than SR60,000 with Saudi Arabian customs

If you’re planning to travel to or from Saudi Arabia and have gifts, personal items, jewelry, or cash exceeding 60,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh58,706), it’s mandatory to fill out and submit a declaration form online. The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia (ZATCA) requires all passengers to submit this form.

Fortunately, it’s easy to comply with this requirement. Passengers can fill out the e-Declaration form online through the ZATCA website – zatca.gov.sa, or via the mobile app ‘ZATCA,’ which is available for both Apple and Android devices.

By submitting the declaration form, you’ll be able to avoid any potential issues with customs and ensure a smooth travel experience. So, make sure to take the necessary steps and declare any items exceeding the limit before your trip to or from Saudi Arabia.

Six types of items that require the customs declaration form

1. Cash valued at 60,000 Saudi Riyals (equivalent to Dh58,706) or more is subject to declaration.
2. Jewellery and precious stones valued at 60,000 Saudi Riyals (equivalent to Dh58,706) or more must be declared.
3. Commercial quantities of goods must be declared.
4. Goods subject to Excise Tax must be declared.
5. Restricted and prohibited goods and items must be declared.
6. Gifts or personal purchases valued at 3,000 Saudi Riyals (equivalent to Dh2,935) or more must be declared.

When entering Saudi Arabia, it is important to be aware of the items that require declaration. These include cash, jewelry, and precious stones valued at 60,000 Saudi Riyals or more, as well as goods in commercial quantities, those subject to Excise Tax, and restricted or prohibited items. Additionally, gifts or personal purchases valued at 3,000 Saudi Riyals or more must be declared. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country.

How do you fill out the customs declaration form?

According to ZATCA, there are two ways to declare cash, personal goods, and jewellery.

1. Declare the items online

Completing the disclosure form has never been easier! You can now conveniently fill it out online through the ZATCA website – https://zatca.gov.sa/ – or via the mobile application ‘ZATCA’. 

It’s important to note that if you have personal purchases, gifts valued at more than Saudi Riyal 3,000 (Dh2,935), or tobacco products and derivatives to declare, you can complete the process online without having to visit the customs declaration office at the airport. This saves you time and hassle, allowing for a smoother travel experience.

2. Submitting the form at the customs declaration office is mandatory for some items

ZATCA has established regulations for travelers who are carrying valuable items such as cash, jewelry, and precious stones. If the total value of these items exceeds Saudi Riyals 60,000 (Dh58,706), or if they are restricted or prohibited items, then the traveler must visit the declaration office at the airport to complete the necessary procedures. This requirement applies even if the traveler has already completed the declaration process electronically.

To locate the declaration offices, passengers should proceed to the area after the flight check-in counters but before entering the departure area. For arriving travelers, the customs declaration office is situated after the passport counter and baggage reclaim.

It is important to comply with these regulations to avoid any potential issues with customs officials. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience at the airport.

Steps for filling out the e-Declaration form on ZATCA website:

If you are carrying items that require declaration upon arrival or departure from Saudi Arabia, it is important to complete the disclosure form online properly. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Visit this link: https://eservices.zatca.gov.sa/sites/sc/en/edeclaration/Pages/EDeclarationPages/EDeclarationStartPage.aspx
2. Please indicate whether you are arriving or departing from Saudi Arabia.
3. Then, please select one or more of the following options:

• Do you possess tobacco products or their derivatives that exceed 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, 500 grams of cigarettes, or electronic hookahs with more than one device (hookah) and 60 ml of its own liquids?
• Do you have any new possessions with a total value exceeding 3,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh2,935)?
• Do you possess currencies or precious metals with a value of 60,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh58,706) or its equivalent?
• Do you possess any materials or possessions that require a license or permit to enter Saudi Arabia?

When entering or departing from Saudi Arabia, it is important to declare any items that may be subject to customs regulations. Please carefully review the above options and select the appropriate ones that apply to you. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient customs process. Thank you for your cooperation.

4. If you are a resident or citizen of Saudi Arabia, you can easily access the form by logging into your Absher account. However, if you are a visitor, simply click on the ‘Start’ button to proceed.
5. Once you have accessed the form, select the type of item you are carrying, specify its quantity, and enter the total value of the items in Saudi Riyals. If you are carrying cash, make sure to enter the amount and currency as well.
6. After filling out the necessary details, click on the ‘Add to Cart’ button and then proceed to click on ‘Continue’. This will take you to the next step of the process.
7. Next, fill out your personal information:
   • Enter your full name
   • Select the passport type, passport number, issue country, and nationality
   • Enter the passport issue date and expiry date.
   • Enter birth date
   • Select gender
8. Enter your travel information.
   • Select the travel type – air, land, or sea.
   • Chose the country you are departing from.
   • Select the entry port from the drop-down menu.
   • Enter arrival date.

Step 13: Provide your contact information, which includes your mobile number, email address, and home address or address in Saudi Arabia.

Step 14: Click on the ‘Continue’ button to proceed.

Step 15: Read and agree to the terms and conditions before submitting the form.

Step 16: You will then be directed to a secure payment portal, where you can conveniently pay the custom fees online using your credit or debit card.

Step 17: Once you have successfully paid the prescribed fees and taxes, you will receive a reference number to track the progress of your application.

Step 19: Upon approval of your form, you will receive the e-Declaration form via the website and your email address.

Also Read: How to use the Haramain High-Speed Railway between Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia

How much are the customs fees?

When completing the online declaration form, a pop-up will display the total amount owed. This amount varies depending on the type and value of the items being declared. It is important to note that ZATCA has outlined additional fees that must be taken into account. These fees include:

• 5% custom fees
• Saudi Riyal 20 (Dh19) for customs declaration issuance fees
• 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT)

When importing mobile devices and laptops, customs duties are not applicable. However, it is essential to note that Value Added Tax (VAT) will be calculated by the regulations set forth by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Importers must understand the tax implications of bringing in these electronic devices. While customs duties may not be levied, VAT can still have a significant impact on the overall cost of the goods. Therefore, it is recommended that importers consult with a tax professional or the ZRA to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and to minimize any potential financial burden.

Penalties and fines for failing to submit a declaration form

ZATCA has established strict guidelines for individuals traveling with large sums of money or restricted items. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.

If an individual fails to declare an amount equal to or exceeding Saudi Riyals 60,000 (Dh58,706), they will be subject to a monetary fine of 25% of the seized value for the first violation. If the violation is repeated, the fine increases to 50%. It is crucial to note that these fines can quickly add up and cause significant financial strain.

Furthermore, if a restricted or prohibited item is not declared, the consequences are even more severe. All materials and items will be confiscated, and a customs fine will be imposed. The individual will also be referred to the relevant authorities, which can result in legal action.

To avoid these consequences, it is essential to comply with ZATCA’s regulations and declare any large sums of money or restricted items. Individuals can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience while avoiding any legal or financial repercussions.