The Narcotics Control Bureau of India (NCB) has advised Indian travellers to obtain the necessary approvals for carrying medicines before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
This comes after Saudi Arabia introduced an electronic service platform for obtaining prior permission for the clearance of medicines intended for personal use by individuals entering or leaving the country.
According to the NCB, certain medicines that are legally available in India or other countries may be prohibited or subject to restrictions in Saudi Arabia.
It said that carrying medicines in excess of prescribed limits may also attract regulatory action. NCB has also advised travellers to consult the official list of restricted and prohibited medicines issued by the Saudi authorities prior to undertaking travel.
The federal anti-narcotics agency, in a statement, said the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, India Country Office, Saudi Arabia, has formally communicated to it that certain medicines that are legally available in India or other countries may be prohibited or subject to restrictions in the Kingdom.
“It has also been informed that carrying medicines in excess of prescribed limits may also attract regulatory action,” the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said.