SFDA Launches Rasid AI Service to Fast-Track Travelers' Medication Checks

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched a new AI-powered service called Rasid (Monitor) to automate and accelerate verification of medications carried by travelers entering the Kingdom. Announced by SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhaie during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in late October 2025, Rasid marks a clear shift from time-consuming manual inspections to fast, data-driven checks that improve both border efficiency and public-health protection.

What is Rasid and how does it work?

Rasid was developed by Saudi experts in the SFDA’s “Cell” Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, a specialized unit launched in early 2025 to incubate and deploy AI solutions for regulatory tasks. The service uses machine learning and advanced language-processing tools to review medication packaging, labels and medical documents brought by travelers.

• Automatic verification: Rasid cross-checks medicines against a traveler’s medical report and prescription details to confirm legitimacy.
• Multilingual support: The platform can interpret information in over 50 languages, reducing delays caused by unfamiliar labels or foreign-language prescriptions.
• Handwriting recognition: Improved optical character recognition (OCR) and natural language processing help the system handle handwritten prescriptions and non-standard formats.
• Fast processing: By automating routine checks, Rasid speeds up clearance at entry points while reducing human error.

Beyond verification, Rasid helps authorities enforce existing regulations by flagging mismatches—such as quantities that do not match a prescription, or medicines that require special permits—while allowing legitimate personal-use medicines to be processed quickly.

Why this matters to expats and visitors

Expats, long-term residents and visitors frequently travel with prescription medicines for chronic conditions (for example, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid replacement and other long-term therapies). In the past, travelers often experienced delays at customs when labels were foreign, prescriptions were handwritten, or officials needed to seek translation assistance.

Rasid addresses these pain points by accelerating the verification process and reducing ambiguity. For the expatriate community this means:

• Shorter waits at airports and border crossings.
• Smoother entry for patients carrying essential, legally prescribed medicines.
• Clearer outcomes when a medication requires prior approval—Rasid helps detect such cases early, enabling officials to guide travelers on next steps.

What travelers should do before arrival

While Rasid speeds up checks, travelers should still follow the rules and prepare documents to avoid problems. Recommended steps for expats and visitors:

1. Check regulated lists: Review the SFDA lists of controlled and restricted medicines before you travel. Some medicines require permits or advance approval.
2. Secure permits if needed: If you take medication that is on a controlled list, apply for the appropriate permit through SFDA e‑services or the embassy/consulate in your home country well before travel.
3. Carry documentation: Bring an up-to-date prescription or medical report signed by your treating physician. Include details such as diagnosis, dosage, and duration.
4. Keep original packaging: Keep medicines in their original containers with manufacturer labels when possible—this helps Rasid and human inspectors verify the product.
5. Prepare translations: Although Rasid supports 50+ languages and can read handwritten scripts, having an English translation of key documents can be helpful.
6. Declare at arrival: Always declare medications when required on arrival forms and follow instructions from port health officials.

For authoritative guidance and to start permit applications, visit the SFDA website: https://www.sfda.gov.sa. Also consult the Ministry of Health for broader healthcare travel guidance: https://www.moh.gov.sa.

How Rasid fits into Saudi health transformation

Rasid aligns with the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Vision 2030 goals to modernize public services, adopt digital technologies, and improve regulatory efficiency. The SFDA’s Cell AI Laboratory, which built Rasid, is part of a wider effort to deploy AI across regulatory and supply-chain tasks—recent initiatives include AI tools to predict and prevent drug shortages, improve supply chain resilience, and strengthen national pharmaceutical security.

By automating routine inspection tasks, Rasid frees SFDA teams to focus on higher-risk cases and collaboration with other agencies—supporting integrated border management, public-health surveillance and inter-agency knowledge sharing.

Privacy, accuracy and human oversight

SFDA emphasizes that Rasid is a regulatory aid—not a replacement for official judgment. Automated checks are paired with human oversight for flagged cases or complex situations. The SFDA has also stated that AI deployments respect relevant data-handling and privacy frameworks; travelers with concerns about how their information is used should consult the SFDA’s published policies and e-services guidance on the official website.

Practical scenarios: What to expect at the border

Example 1 — A long-term resident traveling with chronic medication: When you present your medicine and prescription at the inspection point, Rasid quickly scans label and prescription details, confirms a match, and the officer clears the case faster than older manual processes.

Example 2 — A visitor with a foreign-language prescription: Rasid’s multilingual capabilities reduce delays caused by translation needs. If Rasid identifies inconsistencies (e.g., quantity exceeds normal personal-use allowance), officers will advise on permit requirements or next steps.

Example 3 — A controlled medicine without prior permit: If Rasid flags a controlled substance carried without the required permit, the traveler will be directed to follow SFDA procedures. This helps ensure public safety while providing a clear path to resolution.

Where to get official information and help

For the most reliable and up-to-date information, use official resources:

• SFDA main site (regulations, e-services, permit applications): https://www.sfda.gov.sa
• Ministry of Health (broader health guidance and traveler health): https://www.moh.gov.sa
• Vision 2030 — Health Sector Transformation Program overview: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa

Final takeaways for expats

Rasid is good news for expatriates and visitors: it makes lawful, medically necessary travel with prescription medicines easier and faster, while strengthening safeguards against misuse or illegal importation. But technology doesn’t replace the need to follow rules—always check SFDA guidance, obtain required permits in advance, and carry clear documentation.

As Saudi Arabia continues its digital transformation of healthcare regulation, Rasid is an example of practical AI that directly improves the daily experience of travelers and the integrity of the medicines supply chain. For questions, permit starts, and the latest lists of controlled medicines, visit the SFDA website and use their e-services before you travel.