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As the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage approaches, authorities in Saudi Arabia have outlined Customs regulations to facilitate a smooth journey for the faithful.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged foreign Muslims arriving in the kingdom for the hajj rites to complete a Customs declaration at entry and exit points if they are carrying more than SR 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
Additionally, pilgrims must fill out a Customs declaration if they bring luggage and gifts in commercial quantities valued over SR 3,000.
According to Saudi regulations, a Customs declaration is also required for passengers carrying items that need approval from relevant authorities, such as pharmaceutical products.
Saudi officials cautioned against carrying prohibited items during the hajj, emphasizing that this could lead to legal issues and hinder the pilgrimage experience.
The hajj ministry thus encouraged pilgrims to follow relevant guidelines and refrain from bringing unauthorized drugs, counterfeit money, rare precious metals, and eavesdropping devices.
The ministry recommended that pilgrims check the website of the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca) for further information. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims from across the globe gather in Saudi Arabia to undertake hajj, one of the five essential duties in Islam, particularly in the holy city of Mecca. This year's hajj is set to commence in early June.
