Saudi visa & travel rules

Essential reading

• Can I carry Zamzam water home on my flight to India?

  Usually yes. Most airlines flying from Saudi Arabia allow one sealed 5-litre Zamzam bottle per passenger as checked baggage, bought from approved outlets. Rules differ by airline and change, so check yours before you fly — and never pack Zamzam inside a suitcase.

  Official answer1 answer·Active 24 Oct 2026

• Is travel insurance included with the Umrah visa, and what does it cover?

  Yes — mandatory Umrah health insurance is included with the Umrah visa. It covers emergencies inside Saudi Arabia, such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, emergency pregnancy care and urgent dialysis, up to a reported SAR 100,000. It doesn't replace travel insurance for cancellations or lost baggage.

  Official answer1 answer·Active 24 Oct 2026

• What is the TCS on my Umrah package, and do I get it back?

  TCS (tax collected at source) is collected by the tour operator on overseas tour packages and deposited against your PAN. It is not an extra cost: you claim it as a credit when you file your income-tax return. Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a flat 2% rate on overseas tour packages.

  Official answer1 answer·Active 24 Oct 2026

• Which medicines need permission to bring into Saudi Arabia?

  Controlled medicines — narcotic or psychotropic drugs, which can include some strong painkillers, sleeping and anxiety tablets — need advance clearance through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Controlled Drug System. Ordinary prescription medicines should be carried with a recent prescription in their original packs.

  Official answer1 answer·Active 24 Oct 2026

• How much cash or gold can I carry into Saudi Arabia without declaring it?

  As of October 2026, you must declare cash, gold, precious metals, gemstones or jewellery worth SAR 40,000 or more when entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. The limit was lowered from SAR 60,000 in mid-2026. Declaring is not a ban — it's a form.

  Official answer1 answer·Active 24 Oct 2026