Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities may blood-test arriving travelers for drugs and can detain you even for drug use that happened before you entered the country.

Arrest and detention even for substances consumed abroad before arrival.

Marijuana, cannabis, and CBD products are illegal in Saudi Arabia even if prescribed abroad or ordered online by mail; buying or selling drugs can carry the death penalty.

Death penalty for trafficking; long jail, heavy fines, and public floggings for possession.

Many common prescription medications require prior approval before you bring them into or out of Saudi Arabia — register listed drugs on the SFDA Controlled Drug System (CDS), which can take several weeks.

Unauthorized controlled medications may be confiscated and can lead to detention.

You must declare cash, gold, precious metals, jewelry, or negotiable financial instruments worth 40,000 Saudi riyals (about USD $10,600) or more when entering or leaving Saudi Arabia — the threshold was lowered from 60,000 riyals.

Failure to declare can bring fines of 10–25% of the value (up to 50% for repeat offenses) and seizure of the assets.

Pork, alcohol, drugs, weapons, ammunition, hidden cameras, pornography, and non-Islamic religious items are prohibited imports and strictly enforced; even playing cards or poker chips have caused entry trouble.

Items are confiscated and offenses can bring criminal penalties.

Alcohol is completely illegal in Saudi Arabia — importing, making, possessing, or drinking it is a serious crime that customs enforces strictly on all visitors.

Long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation.

With a valid tourist visa and US or international license, visitors may drive a rental car for the duration of their visa; women may legally drive, and traffic fines must be paid before leaving the country.

Outstanding traffic fines must be paid before departure.

In Saudi Arabia it is illegal to photograph government/military buildings, embassies, police or security personnel, and women in public.

Detention, arrest and criminal charges.

Drones are generally illegal in Saudi Arabia; check the General Authority for Civil Aviation for restrictions and import/use options.

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Saudi Arabia; you may be punished for engaging in, discussing, or supporting them, including on social media even if posted before travel, and same-sex dating apps may draw scrutiny.

Fines, jail, and the death penalty.

Saudi Arabia's public-decency law covers clothing; women should cover shoulders and knees and men should wear shirts, with loose-fitting clothing recommended for all. Police or guards may comment on attire.

Police enforcement; harassment or denial of entry to public spaces.