Moving to Saudi Arabia

Orbit International Moving provides professional international relocation services to Saudi Arabia, supporting both personal household moves and corporate assignments to key destinations including Riyadh and Jeddah.

With decades of experience handling Saudi-bound shipments, we manage both air and sea freight through established gateways such as Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz International Airport. All shipments are coordinated in partnership with licensed Saudi Arabian forwarding agents, ensuring compliance with local regulations and customs requirements.

Our logistics team advises clients on the most suitable shipping method based on urgency, shipment size, and budget. Typical transit times range from 1–3 weeks for air freight and 10–13 weeks for sea freight, depending on shipment volume, inspection schedules, and Saudi customs clearance procedures.

Shipping personal effects to Saudi Arabia involves strict customs enforcement, including density thresholds, mandatory inspections, and tightly regulated prohibited items. In our experience, smaller shipments composed primarily of cartons can unintentionally exceed Saudi Arabia’s weight-to-volume (density) limits, which may lead to higher freight charges or extended clearance times.

As an international mover with direct, on-the-ground experience in Saudi customs processing, Orbit International Moving proactively reviews shipment composition and documentation before departure. This allows us to identify potential cost risks early, advise on repacking or shipment strategy, and help clients avoid unexpected fees, delays, or clearance complications upon arrival.

Saudi Arabia has strict, religion-based customs rules, and all household shipments are carefully inspected when entering the Kingdom. Some items that are common in Western homes can be delayed, confiscated, or require special permits, so it is important to check current regulations before packing.

Certain categories are absolutely prohibited and should never be included in a shipment. These include alcohol, pork products, Christmas trees and decorations, games of chance such as chess, dice, and backgammon, stuffed animals, objects depicting human or animal forms, narcotics, weapons, explosives, fashion magazines that show women, and pornographic material, any films, publications, media or storage device that contain materials deamend immoral.

More information on Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority

Saudi customs applies conservative standards when reviewing personal effects. In some cases, personal photo albums may be held or removed during inspection if content is considered inconsistent with local regulations.

Other items may be allowed only with approval or may be subject to censorship or confiscation. These include communications equipment, powerful binoculars, certain books, religious or political materials, which may be restricted or require prior authorization from Saudi authorities.

Because regulations can change and are sometimes applied on a case-by-case basis, particularly for décor, toys, or printed materials that could be viewed as conflicting with local cultural norms, it is advisable to review the latest official guidance or consult your mover or customs broker before shipping. This can help avoid delays, fines, or refused items at the border and make your move to Saudi Arabia smoother and less stressful.

Required Documents:

• Original Air Waybill (AWBL) or Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL).
• Detailed and valued inventory / packing list.
• Copy of the consignee’s passport (including entry visa page).
• Copy of Saudi Iqama / residence permit or Saudi ID, if applicable.
• Authorization letter in Arabic authorizing clearance of the shipment. This letter must be attested by the local Chamber of Commerce.
• Certificate of insurance, if applicable.

The consignee must provide an authorization letter in Arabic to clear the shipment. This letter should be attested by the local Chamber of Commerce and issued by the consignee.

If the consignee is not present in Saudi Arabia at the time of customs clearance, the consignee must provide the authorization letter along with a copy of their passport and a copy of their residence permit (Iqama) to allow clearance through customs.

In the absence of a residence permit, the shipment may be cleared if the consignee’s employer provides a letter in Arabic stating that the consignee is employed by their company and that the residence permit is under process. This letter must be signed and stamped by the consignee’s employer.

In addition to the above, the shipping company may also require the following for operational and billing purposes:

• Shipping instructions with full shipment details.
• Transmittal letter including consignee information and billing instructions.

• Original Air Waybill (AWBL) or Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL).
• Commercial invoice (legalized).
• Certificate of origin (legalized).
• Packing list.
• Insurance certificate.
• Shipping instructions with full details.

Consignment

Consign all shipments to: name of owner c/o Shippers Co.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance only. Orbit International Logistics Ltd. cannot take responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. It is therefore advisable to contact the nearest Saudi Arabia customs office for full and current information prior to importation.