Travel Advice

Section 1: Before you travel (all participants)

Please ensure you have the following printed and accessible (not only on your phone):

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry)

• Visa proof (depending on your visa type – see section 2)

• Return/onward flight ticket

Section 2: Entry process by visa type

Participants entering on Saudi eVisa

Before departure, confirm you have received your approved eVisa and keep a printed copy with you.

Upon arrival at KAIA, proceed to Passport Control / Immigration.

Present:

• Passport

• Printed eVisa copy

Complete immigration procedures (biometrics/fingerprint/photo may be required).

Proceed to baggage claim, then customs.

If you face any issue at immigration: call the KAUST Airport Emergency Number below.

Participants entering on Saudi Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Confirm eligibility before travel (some travelers may not be eligible). Please check the official visa regulations page: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations 

Upon arrival at KAIA (Jeddah), follow the signs for Visa on Arrival / Tourist Visa on Arrival (typically before passport control) and complete the VoA issuance step (kiosk/counter as directed at the airport), then proceed to Immigration/Passport Control.

Be prepared to present (as applicable):

• Passport (commonly expected to be valid for at least 6 months)

• If your VoA eligibility depends on holding a US/UK/Schengen visa:

  • Present your valid tourist/business visa, and be prepared to show evidence it has been used at least once.

• If your VoA eligibility depends on holding permanent residency in the US/UK/EU:

  • Present your valid residency proof.

• If your VoA eligibility depends on GCC residency:

  • Present your GCC residency proof. 

Payment note: Please carry a credit card for any required payment.

If you face any issue at immigration: call the KAUST Airport Emergency Number below.

Participants entering on a Government Visit Visa/ Business Visa

Before travel, ensure your Government Visit Visa is issued/approved by the concerned Saudi Embassy and available in the format shared with you (e.g., visa in passport / visa document).

Upon arrival at KAIA, proceed directly to Passport Control / Immigration.

Present:

• Passport with the Government Visit Visa (or visa document, as applicable)

Complete immigration procedures (biometrics/fingerprint).

Proceed to baggage claim, then customs.

If you face any issue at immigration: call the KAUST Airport Emergency Number below.

Section 3: Customs & Declaring Items (Important)

Saudi customs rules apply to all arriving travelers. Before packing, please review the official guidance on (1) items that must be declared, (2) prohibited items, and (3) restricted items that may require prior approval/permits.

Official Saudi Customs (ZATCA) pages to check:

• Restricted / Prohibited goods (ZATCA): https://zatca.gov.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/customs_individual/Prohibited-goods.aspx 

• Declaration rules for travelers (ZATCA): https://zatca.gov.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/customs_individual/Travel_pages/declare.aspx 

• Amounts & items that require disclosure (ZATCA): https://zatca.gov.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/customs_individual/Travel_pages/disclosure-amounts.aspx 

Common examples of what may require declaration (per ZATCA):

• Cash / monetary instruments / precious metals / jewelry valued at a specific value (or equivalent).

• Goods in commercial quantities or above certain value thresholds, and certain categories like excise goods (as applicable). 

• Restricted items needing approvals (examples mentioned by ZATCA include medicines, drones, and some camera integrated products such as glasses with cameras). 

Prohibited items (examples listed by ZATCA include):

• Drugs/narcotics, weapons/ammunition, fireworks, surveillance/secret-camera devices, stun/electric-shock devices, radar detectors, and other prohibited materials.

Medication note (very important):

Some medications—especially those containing narcotic or psychotropic substances — may require an advance clearance/permit through the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA). 

SFDA Controlled Drugs System (CDS): https://cds.sfda.gov.sa 

If you are unsure whether an item is prohibited or requires a permit, do not travel with it until you confirm through the official links above.

Section 4: Airport support (KAUST representatives)

If you face any entry/immigration issue ask to see KAUST representative, at the KAUST booth before the border control, and email us on logistics26@mena.ml