Saudi Customs Demands Declarations Over $16,000

The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has ordered all domestic and international airlines operating in the country to make it mandatory for passengers to declare jewelry, precious metals and cash over SR60,000 in their possession, with invoices or other documentation as proof of value.

GACA said the Kingdom has regulations in place for passengers to fill in forms to declare these items to customs officials on arrival or departure. Those failing to do so face severe penalties, Khaled Al-Khaibari, spokesman for GACA, was quoted as saying to a local publication.

Abdul Rahman Al-Fahd, assistant general manager for public relations and official spokesman for Saudi Arabian Airlines, said Saudi customs has the power to monitor goods arriving and leaving the country. "A voucher or invoice is the only proof of the value of precious metals and jewelry," he said.

A source at the customs department said the orders are part of measures being introduced by the Kingdom to control the movement of cash and other goods of high value across its borders. "Non-disclosure will entail sanctions," said the source.