NCB Advises Indian Travellers to Seek Prior Approval for Carrying Medicines to Saudi Arabia

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has warned Indian travellers going to Saudi Arabia to get permission first if they intend to bring medicines to the country. The alert came after Saudi Arabia launched a new electronic service platform to regulate the clearance of medicines for personal use by people coming to or going from the Kingdom.

NCB said that there are medicines which are fully legal in India, but they may be restricted or even prohibited under the drug control regulations in Saudi Arabia. If a traveller has such a medicine without prior approval and is found, he or she may be subjected to regulatory enforcement, including confiscation of the medicines, imposition of fines, or legal interrogation at the entry points.

The advisory message is mainly targeted at the Indian tourists, business travellers, and pilgrims going for Umrah or Hajj, who often carry prescription medicines for chronic diseases. NCB warned that having medicines in a quantity more than allowed or without proper documents could be punished according to the law in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s newly launched electronic service platform allows travellers to apply in advance for permission to carry medicines for personal use. The system is aimed at enhancing border security while providing clarity to visitors regarding permissible pharmaceutical items. The NCB has advised travellers to familiarise themselves with the official list of restricted and prohibited medicines published by Saudi authorities before undertaking travel.

"Certain medicines that are commonly used in India may be classified as controlled substances in Saudi Arabia. Travellers should definitely ensure that they are compliant with the local regulations so that they do not face any inconveniences or legal complications, " the NCB said in its advisory.

Officials gave the instruction that travellers must have with them valid prescriptions, medical certificates, and approval documents when they are travelling. It is also advised that medicines be in their original packaging with clear labels indicating the composition and dosage.

The advisory is coming when traveling between India and Saudi Arabia has been increasing gradually, the reasons being religious tourism, employment, and bilateral engagement. With Saudi Arabia putting more regulations in place for pharmaceuticals, Indian travellers are being instructed to plan their trips early and finish all their formalities well before their journey.

The NCB also said that it is very important to be aware of drug regulations at the destination you are going to if you want to have safe and trouble- free international travel, especially to countries that have strict laws regarding narcotics and pharmaceuticals.