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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia travel alert: Travelers carrying prescription drugs must declare and get online permit
Travelers must register on SFDA's CDS platform and upload a prescription, ID, medical report, and full details of each medication/ Representative image TL;DR: SFDA now requires a clearance permit for travelers carrying controlled medications . Applications must be submitted online via the Controlled Drug System (CDS). Travelers need to upload prescriptions, ID, and medical proof to get approval. If you're traveling to or from Saudi Arabia with medications containing narcotics or psychotropic substances, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced a streamlined process to help. Through a newly issued set of guidelines, the SFDA now enables travelers to obtain clearance permits online via its Controlled Drug System (CDS). The system is designed to ensure that patients can carry their prescribed medications without unnecessary delays, while upholding regulatory standards to prevent misuse. New clearance guidelines for controlled medications In a move to support patients and enhance travel efficiency, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has released official procedures for obtaining clearance permits for travelers carrying controlled medications. These drugs include narcotic and psychotropic substances, which are strictly regulated under Saudi law. According to the SFDA, these guidelines apply to all passengers, both arriving and departing, who need to carry such medications for personal or patient use. The initiative is part of SFDA's broader commitment to balancing public safety with patient accessibility. All details and processes for obtaining a permit are now centralized and accessible via SFDA's Controlled Drug System (CDS), available at: . How the application process works Travelers can now obtain the necessary clearance by following a straightforward digital application process: Create a personal account: Users begin by registering on the CDS platform. Submit an electronic permit request: The application must include: Personal information of the patient Complete trip details Upload required documents: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting materials: A valid medical prescription A medical report confirming the condition Proof of identity (such as passport or national ID) Declare medication details: Travelers can include multiple medications in a single application by providing: Trade name of each drug Active ingredient(s) Drug concentration Dosage form (e.g., tablet, injection) Quantity or pack size Clarify medical need: The application must show clear evidence that the drugs are required for medical use, either for the applicant or for another patient under their care. Agree to terms & conditions: Before submission, applicants must confirm compliance with SFDA's terms. Track application status: The CDS system allows users to monitor real-time progress, which can fall under one of four categories: Submitted Completed Rejected Incomplete Print the clearance permit: Once approved, users can download and print the permit directly from the platform. Why the guidelines matter These new measures underscore SFDA's dual focus on patient rights and public safety. By clearly regulating the entry and exit of controlled substances, the Authority aims to: Prevent abuse and illegal diversion of sensitive medications Facilitate access for patients in genuine need Eliminate bureaucratic hurdles by digitizing the entire process Allow submissions from anywhere, at any time This initiative significantly reduces the need for manual or in-person procedures, enabling travelers, especially those with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs, to secure the necessary authorizations in advance of their travel. For a detailed walkthrough of the entire application process, travelers can consult the User Manual for the Traveler Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs, available on the SFDA website About the SFDA Established in 2003 under the Council of Ministers' resolution, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority is an independent regulatory body directly reporting to the President of the Council of Ministers. Its main mission is to safeguard public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food, medicines, biological and chemical substances, medical devices, and cosmetics. The SFDA oversees all procedures related to these products, aiming to protect both human and animal health throughout the Kingdom. FAQs: Q. Do I need a permit if I'm carrying prescription medication with narcotics into Saudi Arabia? Yes, a clearance permit is required for any controlled drugs, even if they are prescribed. Q. Where do I apply for the clearance permit? You must apply online through SFDA's Controlled Drug System (CDS) at . Q. What documents are needed for the application? You'll need a valid prescription, a medical report, proof of identity, and medication details like dosage and quantity. Q. Can I apply on behalf of someone else? Yes, the permit can be obtained for another patient, but you must provide proof of their medical need.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA publishes guidelines for travelers to obtain clearance permit for controlled drugs
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the procedures for obtaining a clearance permit for controlled drugs containing narcotics and psychotropic substances in the possession of passengers arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia. This reinforces SFDA's commitment to facilitating patients' travel and ensuring a smoother journey while maintaining safety standards. SFDA confirms that all information related to controlled drug permits is available through its Controlled Drug System (CDS) at Travelers can now easily apply for a permit through the CDS platform by creating a personal account, submitting an electronic clearance permit request with the patient's details and trip information, and uploading supporting documents like a prescription, medical report, and proof of identity. Travelers can also add multiple medications by providing accurate details, including the trade name, active ingredient, drug concentration, dosage form, and quantity or pack size. Applicants must include documents that prove the medical need for the medication, whether it is for the traveler or another patient. The applicant must agree to the terms and conditions, and then submit the application. Travelers can also track the status of the application, which is clearly classified as "Submitted," "Completed," "Rejected," or "Incomplete." The applicant can take the printout of the permit once the application is completed. This guideline highlights SFDA's role in regulating the entry and exit of controlled drugs, protecting patient rights, and preventing misuse. It provides a convenient and secure way for traveling patients to get the clearances they need, allowing them to submit requests at any time and from any location, which eliminates the need for additional procedures. For a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a clearance permit for controlled drugs, travelers can refer to the User Manual for the Traveler Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs on SFDA website:
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA publishes guidelines for travelers to obtain clearance permit for controlled drugs
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the procedures for obtaining a clearance permit for controlled drugs containing narcotics and psychotropic substances in the possession of passengers arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia. This reinforces SFDA's commitment to facilitating patients' travel and ensuring a smoother journey while maintaining safety standards. SFDA confirms that all information related to controlled drug permits is available through its Controlled Drug System (CDS) at Travelers can now easily apply for a permit through the CDS platform by creating a personal account, submitting an electronic clearance permit request with the patient's details and trip information, and uploading supporting documents like a prescription, medical report, and proof of identity. Travelers can also add multiple medications by providing accurate details, including the trade name, active ingredient, drug concentration, dosage form, and quantity or pack size. Applicants must include documents that prove the medical need for the medication, whether it is for the traveler or another patient. The applicant must agree to the terms and conditions, and then submit the application. Travelers can also track the status of the application, which is clearly classified as "Submitted," "Completed," "Rejected," or "Incomplete." The applicant can take the printout of the permit once the application is completed. This guideline highlights SFDA's role in regulating the entry and exit of controlled drugs, protecting patient rights, and preventing misuse. It provides a convenient and secure way for traveling patients to get the clearances they need, allowing them to submit requests at any time and from any location, which eliminates the need for additional procedures. For a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a clearance permit for controlled drugs, travelers can refer to the User Manual for the Traveler Clearance Permit of Controlled Drugs on SFDA website:
