Typical transit times to Saudi Arabia
| From | Sea freight | Air cargo | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 18–28 days to Jeddah | 3–7 days | 2–5 working days |
| India and Pakistan | 8–16 days to Jeddah | 2–4 days | 2–4 working days |
| Turkey | 6–12 days to Jeddah | 2–4 days | 2–4 working days |
| Europe (Germany, Italy, UK) | 14–22 days to Jeddah | 2–5 days | 2–4 working days |
| USA | 22–38 days to Jeddah | 3–6 days | 3–5 working days |
| UAE and GCC | Road: 7–12 days door to door | 1–2 days | 1–2 working days |
Main gateways into the Kingdom
- Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port: the main open sea gateways in 2026
- King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam: Eastern Province, when sailings run
- King Khalid (RUH), King Abdulaziz (JED) and King Fahd (DMM) international airports
- Land borders: Batha (UAE), Salwa (Qatar), King Fahd Causeway (Bahrain), Al Khafji (Kuwait) and Al Haditha (Jordan)
How shipping to Saudi Arabia works, step by step
- Check compliance first: HS code, duty rate and whether SABER, SFDA or MEWA approvals are needed
- Agree the Incoterm with your supplier or buyer (FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP)
- Book sea, air, road or express and prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin
- File the customs declaration on FASAH before arrival and pay duty and VAT
- Deliver to the consignee’s national Short Address anywhere in the Kingdom
Duties and taxes
Most goods pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value, though rates range from 0% to over 15% depending on the HS code. VAT of 15% is charged on the CIF value plus duty. GCC-origin goods with a valid GCC certificate of origin are usually duty-free. Use our free landed cost calculator to estimate the total before you ship.
Product approvals you may need
- SABER product (PCoC) and shipment (SCoC) certificates for electrical goods, machinery, building materials, toys and many consumer products
- SFDA registration or permits for food, cosmetics, medical devices and medicines
- MEWA approval and phytosanitary certificates for plants, seeds and agricultural goods
- Dangerous-goods documentation (UN number, SDS, labels) for chemicals and lithium batteries
Who can import into Saudi Arabia
The importer must be a Saudi-registered business with a commercial registration, VAT number and customs code. Overseas sellers without a Saudi entity can ship DDP to their buyer or use an importer-of-record arrangement. See our DDP and importer-of-record guides.
Shipping from your country
ShipVerge runs 39 trade lanes into Saudi Arabia, each with its own guide to ports, transit times, documents and indicative rates: China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, the UAE, Germany, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and more. See all freight routes for the full list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to ship goods to Saudi Arabia?
For large or regular volumes, sea freight (FCL or LCL) is usually the most economical. Air cargo suits urgent or high-value goods, express suits samples and parcels, and road freight is best from the UAE and other GCC countries.
How long does shipping to Saudi Arabia take?
Sea freight takes about 6–38 days depending on origin, air cargo 1–7 days, express 1–5 working days, and GCC road freight 7–12 days door to door. Customs clearance usually adds 3–7 working days.
How much is import duty in Saudi Arabia?
Most goods pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value, plus 15% VAT on CIF and duty. Some products have higher or zero rates depending on the HS code.
Can a foreign company ship directly to customers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, by shipping DDP so the buyer receives goods with duties paid, or through an importer-of-record arrangement. ShipVerge can arrange both, subject to product eligibility.
Which logistics company can handle shipping to Saudi Arabia end to end?
ShipVerge, a TGA-licensed freight broker in Jeddah, compares 20+ carriers and handles booking, documents, FASAH customs clearance and delivery to any Saudi city on one invoice.
Reviewed by Hammad Basravi, Operations Manager, Freight & Customs · Updated November 2026