Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims are preparing to undertake their spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land as preparations to Hajj 2026 are getting underway. The biggest question that any traveller will ask himself or herself is as follows: How much cash or Saudi Riyals (SAR) can I legally carry out of Pakistan?
To prevent money laundering and to make sure that international financial standards are adhered to, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Customs have developed stringent measures on carrying foreign currency. It is necessary to understand these limits in order to prevent delays, fines and confiscation of funds within the airport.
Legal Currency Limits for Hajj 2026
In the latest instructions issued by the State Bank of Pakistan as of May 2026, the following quotas are imposed on all the passengers going abroad:
Trip Limit According to Trip Limit (Adults): The maximum amount that a passenger can carry with him/her in one trip is USD 5,000 (or its equivalent in other foreign currencies such as Saudi Riyals) per passenger.
Annual Limit: The limit is not to carry more than USD 30,000 of the foreign currency abroad in a given calendar year.
Minors (Children): The limit will be lower in case of passengers under the age of 18, with the limit being USD 2,500 per trip and USD 15,000 per year.
The Limit in Saudi Riyals (SAR)
The USD 5,000 cap is equivalent to about 18,700 to 18,750 Saudi Riyals when converted at the current exchange rates. It is strongly recommended that Pilgrims should not carry more than this amount in cash. Although Hajj is an expensive trip, carrying unnecessary cash without the necessary papers may result in dire legal penalties when the customs clearance procedure comes into play.
Is a Declaration Required?
If you are carrying cash within the prescribed limits, a formal declaration is generally not required for small amounts. However, for amounts reaching the upper limit, it is best practice to keep exchange receipts. Furthermore, if you are carrying any precious metals, jewelry, or bearer instruments worth $10,000 or more, you must file a Customs Declaration at the airport.
Limits on Pakistani Rupees (PKR)
You may also wish to take the local currency, so that you can spend on immediate expenses on your return. According to the existing legislation, a passenger can be carrying not more than PKR 10,000 in cash. Any amount of Pakistani currency in excess of this limit would be treated as a contravention of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act.
Important Tips for Pilgrims
Use Digital Payments: Instead of carrying large bundles of cash, utilize “Debit Cards” or international travel cards. These are widely accepted in Makkah and Madinah and can be used at ATMs.
Keep Receipts: Always keep the official purchase receipts from your licensed money changer. These are evidence of legal acquisition in case of any inquiries of the customs.
Share Cash: In case of traveling as a family, share the cash among all adult members according to their respective limits of law to avoid crossing the per-person mark.
READ: More Informative Content
