The General Food and Drug Authority has clarified the steps and procedures for obtaining personal clearance permits for medications containing narcotics or psychotropic substances in possession of travelers entering or leaving the Kingdom. This initiative aims to facilitate travel for patients while ensuring proper procedures.
All relevant information about the service is available on the electronic platform “Restricted Medicines System”: https://cds.sfda.gov.sa. Travelers can create a personal account, fill in the required data, and submit an electronic clearance request, including patient details, trip information, and necessary attachments such as prescriptions, medical reports, medication images, and proof of identity.
The service allows adding multiple medications by entering accurate details, including the brand name, active ingredient, concentration, quantity, or package size, along with uploading documents verifying the medical necessity of these medications—whether for the traveler or another patient. The application status can be tracked electronically, with requests categorized as “submitted,” “approved,” “rejected,” or “incomplete.”
This clarification aligns with the Authority’s ongoing efforts to regulate the entry and exit of restricted medications, safeguarding patients’ rights and preventing misuse while ensuring easy electronic access to the service anytime, anywhere. This contributes to simplifying travel for patients without requiring additional procedures.
