SFDA outlines permit rules for pilgrims carrying controlled medicines

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) The Saudi food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has clarified approved regulations and procedures for obtaining personal clearance permits for controlled medications carried by pilgrims for personal use, as part of efforts to facilitate Hajj rituals and ensure the safety and well-being of visitors to the holy sites.

According to SPA, the authority stated that applicants must meet several requirements, including providing a copy of their passport, a valid medical prescription or report issued within the past six months, and an image of the medication along with its outer packaging. Applicants are also required to agree to an electronic declaration before submitting the request.

The SFDA emphasized that permitted quantities must comply with approved limits, noting that the amount of medication should not exceed a 30-day supply or the duration of the pilgrim’s stay in the Kingdom—whichever is shorter—based on the dosage specified in the prescription or medical report.

The authority said these measures are part of an integrated regulatory and oversight framework aimed at ensuring a safe and seamless experience for pilgrims, while maintaining strict control over the handling and circulation of controlled medicines.

Applications for clearance permits can be submitted by creating a “Personal Traveler Account” through the electronic Controlled Drugs System (CDS) available on the SFDA website, which also provides a detailed user manual in both Arabic and English, according to SPA.