Is Ketamine legal in Saudi Arabia?

Legal status

Controlled under Royal Decree M/39 (2005) as a nationally/locally controlled substance (Schedule 2, Category E — not internationally scheduled in the 1961/1971 Conventions) and regulated by the SFDA as a restricted anaesthetic. Capital exposure attaches to smuggling or trafficking-with-intent-to-promote under Article 37; no ketamine-specific capital case is documented, so drug-specific capital application is left to confirmation.

Consequences if caught

Unauthorised possession/use prosecuted under M/39 (imprisonment, fines, deportation for non-nationals). Smuggling or possession-with-intent-to-promote is death-eligible under Art. 37, reducible to not less than 15 years plus flogging and fine.

If prescribed or medical

Prescribable controlled anaesthetic regulated by the SFDA; import requires the SFDA Traveler's Permit — mandatory advance electronic clearance from 1 Nov 2025 — with an attested prescription/medical report and ID.

Documentation

Royal Decree M/39 (2005), locally controlled substance (Category E, outside the UN Conventions); SFDA ketamine regulatory page; Art. 37 penalties.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Saudi Arabia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.