At Royal Shipping Lines, we provide international shipping services directly to Saudi Arabia’s major ports, ensuring smooth customs clearance, secure handling, and efficient distribution of vehicles, containers, and heavy equipment across the Kingdom.

📍 Jeddah Islamic Port – Saudi Arabia’s largest and busiest seaport on the Red Sea, handling Ro/Ro vessels, containerized shipments, bulk cargo, and general freight. Strategically located in Jeddah, it serves as the primary gateway for imports to western and central Saudi Arabia.

📍 King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam) – The main port on the Arabian Gulf, ideal for shipments bound for the Eastern Province and neighboring GCC countries. Equipped with modern facilities for Ro/Ro, container, and breakbulk cargo, ensuring efficient logistics and storage solutions.

📍 King Abdullah Port – A state-of-the-art deep-water port located near Rabigh, offering advanced logistics infrastructure for containerized and Ro/Ro shipments with fast turnaround times and global connectivity.

🏢 Bonded Warehouses in Saudi Arabia

📍 Jeddah & Dammam Logistics Zones – Central hubs for bonded storage, customs clearance, and nationwide distribution of vehicles, machinery, and commercial cargo. These facilities streamline import processing and provide secure, efficient handling throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.

🛳️ East Coast USA (Miami, New York, Savannah, Charleston → Jeddah Islamic Port or King Abdullah Port): 25–30 days 🚀 Fastest Route
🛳️ Gulf Coast USA (Houston, New Orleans → King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam): 30–35 days
🛳️ West Coast USA (Los Angeles, Long Beach → Jeddah or Dammam): 40–45 days, typically via transshipment through major European or Middle Eastern hubs.

⚠️ Note: Transit times are approximate and can vary depending on the shipping line, route, seasonal demand, and service type (Ro/Ro, container, or flat rack).

👉 Fastest Route: Shipments departing from the U.S. East Coast, especially from Miami, New York, or Savannah, generally provide the most efficient and direct service to Saudi Arabia’s main ports, making them ideal for time-sensitive vehicle, machinery, or commercial cargo shipments.

When shipping to Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to understand the country’s import regulations and restrictions to ensure smooth customs clearance. The importation of certain items requires special approval from Saudi authorities, while others are strictly prohibited.

⚠️ Items Requiring Special Approval

The following products need prior authorization or permits from relevant Saudi ministries and agencies before importation:

• Agricultural seeds and live animals

• Books, periodicals, films, and audio/video tapes

• Religious books, recordings, and materials

• Chemicals and potentially hazardous substances

• Pharmaceutical and medical products

• Wireless equipment, drones, and radio-controlled model aircraft

• Horses and livestock

• Products containing alcohol (e.g., perfumes or sanitizers)

• Natural asphalt and certain mineral products

• Archaeological artifacts and cultural heritage items

🚫 Prohibited Imports

Saudi law prohibits the importation of the following goods:

• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives

• Alcoholic beverages and distillery equipment

• Narcotics and illegal drugs

• Pork and pork-derived products

• Pornographic or indecent materials

• Used or retreaded tires

• Used clothing and certain sculptures or figurines

• Salvaged, damaged, or non-operational vehicles

• Cars older than five years, as well as used police, taxi, or rental cars

🏢 Import Regulations & Trade Rules

Only Saudi nationals are allowed to import goods for resale or engage in direct marketing activities. However:

• Foreign manufacturers may import and sell products they produce.

• GCC nationals can participate in specific retail and trading activities within Saudi Arabia.

For the most accurate and updated information, refer to the official websites of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and Saudi Customs before shipping.