The rule is about declaring, not banning: you must declare gold, bullion or jewellery worth SAR 40,000 or more when entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. The limit was SAR 60,000 until June 2026. Gold you are wearing counts. On 1 November 2026 the limit was worth close to 100 g of 21K at the market price, so a full set can get you near it quickly. Carry your purchase invoices.
How much gold can I travel with from Saudi Arabia?
Last reviewed: · How we write and review (Arabic)
Last updated: Source: metals.dev in Saudi riyals, dollars at the 3.75 peg · World benchmark: LBMA price · How we get our prices
The rule in detail
This comes from Okaz's report on the updated anti-money-laundering regulations, and Sabq's report of ZATCA's announcement on X. The Gulf News report says the same.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Limit | SAR 40,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency |
| Covers | Bullion, precious metals, gemstones, jewellery, cash and bearer instruments |
| When | Entering and leaving the Kingdom |
| Where | All land, sea and air crossings |
| Proof | Purchase invoice to show the value |
Does gold I'm wearing count?
Yes. Al Weeam reported ZATCA's explanation in August 2026: jewellery and precious metals are covered once they reach the limit, even as personal items.
What is the limit in grams?
The value moves with the price. Here is what your gold is worth today at the market price:
| Weight | 21K | 18K |
|---|---|---|
| 50 g | 20,443.00 SAR | 17,522.57 SAR |
| 100 g | 40,886.00 SAR | 35,045.14 SAR |
| 150 g | 61,329.00 SAR | 52,567.71 SAR |
That is the gold value alone. An invoice with the making charge can show more, so if you are close, play it safe and declare. Work out your own figure with the calculator.
How do I declare?
Sabq says ZATCA offers an online declaration form you can fill in before reaching the crossing; Okaz says the declaration is made in writing at customs. In practice: complete the form before you leave, arrive early, and ask a customs officer if you are near the limit. Check the current steps with ZATCA.
What if I don't declare?
According to Okaz:
- Seizure: ZATCA can hold undeclared or suspect funds or precious metals for up to 72 hours.
- Fine: 10% to 25% of the seized value for a first offence where money laundering isn't suspected, rising to 50% for repeat offences.
- Referral: cases suspected of links to money laundering go to the competent authorities.
- Commercial goods: the Unified Customs Law applies.
For example, SAR 45,000 of undeclared gold on a first offence means a fine of SAR 4,500 to SAR 11,250.
Bringing gold back from abroad
This is a separate rule. ZATCA asked arriving passengers in 2021 to declare personal purchases and gifts above SAR 3,000. So new purchases over that amount may attract duties and tax even below SAR 40,000. We found no recent official text setting the rate on personal jewellery, so ask customs rather than rely on a figure. See also is gold cheaper in Dubai?
Your destination has its own rules
Declaring in Saudi Arabia doesn't exempt you from the rules where you land. Every country sets its own limits for gold, so check before you travel, especially if you carry gifts.
Before the airport
- Gather the invoices for what you are carrying.
- Add up the value, including what you will wear.
- If it is SAR 40,000 or more, complete the declaration.
- Keep personal gold separate from anything commercial.
- Save copies of the invoices on your phone.
Sources
- Okaz: travellers must declare gold and jewellery over SAR 40,000 (26 June 2026, Arabic).
- Sabq: SAR 40,000 is the new declaration limit (26 June 2026, Arabic).
- Gulf News: Travelling with gold? Saudi Arabia has lowered its declaration threshold (27 June 2026).
- Al Weeam: must worn gold be declared at the airport? (22 August 2026, Arabic).
- Al Arabiya: Saudi customs guidance on duties and taxes (15 May 2021, Arabic): the SAR 3,000 purchase limit.
- Wego: Travellers to Saudi Arabia Must Now Declare Cash and Gold: declaring isn't a ban.
- ZATCA. We didn't find the updated text on ZATCA's pages when writing, so we relied on the Saudi press above. Confirm with ZATCA before you travel.
- This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much gold can I take when travelling from Saudi Arabia?
The limit in these sources is a declaration limit, not a ban: you must declare gold and jewellery worth SAR 40,000 or more.
Do I need to declare gold I'm wearing?
Yes, if the value reaches SAR 40,000 or more, according to ZATCA's explanation reported by Al Weeam.
What is the fine for not declaring gold?
10% to 25% of the seized value for a first offence where money laundering isn't suspected, and 50% for repeat offences.
Is the limit SAR 60,000 or SAR 40,000?
SAR 40,000 since the June 2026 update. The earlier limit was SAR 60,000.