Can you bring a weapon to Saudi Arabia?

• Weapons

  prohibited

  ZATCA's prohibited-items list bans "all types of electric shock" devices, laser devices (with one narrow exception: a single red laser pen not exceeding 5 milliwatts), fireworks, "eavesdropping devices of all shapes and types," speed radar detectors, and items described as "tear softeners" (tear-gas-type irritants). Surveillance devices disguised as everyday objects — the source specifically names hidden-camera watches, pens, glasses, and toy airplanes — are also prohibited.

  This list is broader and more surveillance/security-focused than a typical 'weapons' list — it groups conventional self-defence items (stun devices, tear gas) with electronic surveillance/countermeasure gear (hidden cameras, radar detectors, eavesdropping devices) and laser pointers above a trivial power threshold. Travelers who wouldn't think of a laser pointer, a novelty pen camera, or a radar detector as a 'weapon' are exactly the ones likely to be caught out by this rule.

  Also covers: weapons, stun gun, electric shock device, taser, laser pointer, tear gas, fireworks, radar detector

  Checked 2026-09-14 — Source: ZATCA (Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) — prohibited and restricted items for travelers

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history