Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital process for travellers who need to carry controlled medicines, including narcotics and psychotropic substances. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) now requires passengers to obtain a permit through its Controlled Drug System (CDS) before travelling in or out of the Kingdom.
The new platform is designed to make travel more straightforward for patients, reducing paperwork and ensuring clear guidance for those with legitimate medical needs. For residents in Dubai and across the UAE who frequently travel to Saudi Arabia, this update is expected to ease concerns around travelling with essential medication.
How the online system works
The CDS platform enables passengers to apply for permits entirely online. The process is simple:
- Create a personal account on the portal
- Fill in travel and health details
- Upload required documents such as prescriptions, medical reports, and a valid ID
- Provide information about the medicines, including brand name, dosage, strength, and quantity
- Submit the request for review
Travellers can track their application status in real time. Once approved, permits can be easily downloaded and printed for smoother processing at Saudi entry and exit points.
Benefits for Dubai and UAE residents
For business travellers, families visiting relatives, or patients seeking treatment, the move brings several advantages:
- Clarity and transparency: Travellers no longer face uncertainty about carrying prescription medication.
- Time saved: The process is online, removing the need for manual paperwork or in-person visits.
- Security and compliance: The permit system ensures medicines are cleared legally and quickly.
- Support for patients: Even if a medicine is prescribed for a family member, the application can be submitted with proper documentation.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation in public services, reflecting a regional push towards more efficient, patient-centred healthcare regulation.
Travellers must prepare in advance
Applicants are advised to gather all supporting documents before applying. Essential paperwork includes:
- A valid medical prescription from a licensed doctor
- A medical report detailing the patient’s condition
- A copy of the applicant’s passport or national ID
- Full details of each medicine, including dosage and form
It is also recommended that travellers carry both digital and printed copies of their permit when entering Saudi Arabia. This ensures smoother interaction with customs and avoids unnecessary delays.
Necessity for residents
Dubai is a hub for regional travel, with thousands of residents flying regularly to Saudi Arabia for business, leisure, or religious purposes. Many of these travellers rely on prescribed medicines. The introduction of the CDS provides reassurance and safeguards against misunderstandings at border points.
For professionals and families, it reduces the risk of last-minute issues, allowing them to focus on their journey rather than bureaucratic hurdles. It also demonstrates stronger regional cooperation in health regulation, a key step for the GCC community.
The SFDA’s Controlled Drug System represents a significant update for travellers carrying regulated medicines. For residents in Dubai and the wider UAE, the platform offers clarity, convenience, and compliance when travelling to Saudi Arabia.
As the system becomes fully integrated, passengers are encouraged to apply for their permits well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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