The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) of Saudi Arabia published guidelines on customs procedures for visitors bringing cash, gold, and diamonds into the Kingdom.
According to ZATCA, any traveler carrying SR60,000 ($16,000) or more in cash or precious metals must report the amount in advance with the authority.
The Saudi customs authority stressed the necessity of travelers coming and exiting the Kingdom with cash or convertible assets to report them electronically before arriving at the port of entry or exit.
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority confirms mandatory process for travellers in the Kingdom
Saudi customs regulation
This can be done through the ZATCA application for smart devices available through the Apple and Google Play systems, accessing the declaration page on the Authority’s website and filling out the form, or by visiting the declaration offices located at customs ports when coming or leaving.
The declaration process is mandatory for every traveller carrying any amount of money worth SR60,000 or more, or its equivalent in other currencies.
It is also necessary for every traveller to carry negotiable tools, gold bullions, precious metals, precious stones, or fine jewellery, whether new or used, and their value reaches SR60,000 or more, or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
The authority stressed that proof of the legitimacy of the source of the declared items must be submitted.
Failure to declare or incorrect declaration can result in a financial fine of 25 per cent of the value of the seized items for the first violation, and 50 per cent of its value for repeat violations, following the provisions of Article 23/6 of the Regulations for the Anti-Money Laundering Law.
However, this is applicable if the suspicion of a relation between these seizures and an original crime or money laundering offence is negated.
If the suspicion between the seizures and an original crime or money laundering offence remains, the full amount will be seized, and the violator will be referred to Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution.
