Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 3: Indian citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia are being advised to obtain prior online clearance for carrying personal medications, following the Gulf Kingdom’s introduction of a mandatory electronic service platform.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), India country office, Saudi Arabia, has formally communicated to India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) about the launch of the portal by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), accessible at https://cds.sfda.gov.sa. The platform is designed for the submission of applications, prescriptions, and medical reports to obtain permission for carrying medicines for personal use.
“Travellers are advised to consult the official list of restricted and prohibited medicines issued by the Saudi authorities prior to undertaking travel,” the NCB said.
“Carrying medicines without prior electronic clearance or in quantities exceeding the prescribed limits may attract regulatory action, including confiscation and legal prosecution,” the NCB added.
Applications must be submitted by the traveller or their authorised representative through the platform well in advance of departure to ensure compliance with international narcotics control regulations.
The advisory comes as a critical alert for thousands of Indians travelling for work, tourism, or pilgrimage, as many drugs legally available in India are strictly controlled or prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The NCB urged travellers to verify the permissibility of medicines they intend to carry and to obtain requisite approvals wherever applicable.
In a related statement, the NCB highlighted its 2025 enforcement achievements in Mumbai, demonstrating the bureau’s ongoing vigilance against narcotics trafficking.
During the year, authorities seized approximately 5,560 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including 11.760 kg of cocaine, 11.835 kg of charas, 223 kg of ganja, 49.664 kg of mephedrone, 1,800 kg of illicitly diverted codeine-based cough syrup, 12 kg of diverted pharmaceutical tablets, 3,398.5 kg of acetic anhydride, and 50 LSD blots (0.54 grams).
A total of 51 individuals were arrested, and holistic investigations led to the freezing of movable and immovable properties worth nearly Rs 18 crore, acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking, the NCB said.
Officials stressed that the Saudi online clearance system represents a major step in controlling the cross-border movement of restricted medicines. Indian travellers are advised to comply strictly with the requirements, including submission of accurate documentation and adherence to prescribed limits, to avoid legal complications at the border.
The NCB reaffirmed that it will continue to disseminate advisories from international counterparts, ensuring travellers are aware of the regulatory framework and the consequences of non-compliance.