Shipping between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia
GHO Express has operated the Lebanon-Saudi Arabia freight lane for more than five decades, shipping goods in both directions between Beirut and Saudi Arabia’s major commercial centres, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. We arrange air, sea and land freight to match the speed and cost profile of every shipment, and we provide customs clearance at both ends to keep cargo moving.
An honest note on coverage: our physical operations are in Lebanon only. We do not have an office in Saudi Arabia. Instead, we manage the Saudi leg through our established global partner and agent network, whose ground teams handle import clearance and final delivery in-kingdom, while your single point of contact stays with our Beirut office.
Modes available on the Lebanon-KSA lane
Air freight
Air freight from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport reaches Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam within 2-4 days. It is the right choice for time-sensitive, high-value or perishable cargo. GHO Express books space on scheduled passenger and freighter services, issues the air waybill, and coordinates Saudi import clearance through our partners. See air freight for the full service detail.
Sea freight
Sea freight is the most economical option for larger volumes:
- FCL (full container load), a dedicated 20 ft or 40 ft container shipped directly to Jeddah Islamic Port (western and central Saudi Arabia) or King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam (Eastern Province and Riyadh hinterland).
- LCL (less than container load), your cargo consolidated with other shipments, ideal when you don’t fill a full container.
Typical transit times run 10-20 days depending on the routing and any transhipment at regional hubs. Our sea freight team can advise on the best port gateway for your final delivery point.
Land freight
Land freight connections between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia operate through Jordan and onward to the Kingdom, or via combination sea-land routes. Routing and transit times depend on corridor conditions, seasonal factors and cargo type. Speak to our team about land freight options before booking if overland suits your commodity.
How we handle a Lebanon-Saudi Arabia shipment
- Quoting. You provide origin, destination, cargo type, weight and dimensions. We assess the best mode and routing, check Saudi customs requirements for your commodity, and provide a clear written quote.
- Collection and packing. We collect from your premises or warehouse anywhere in Lebanon. Where needed, we provide export-grade packing and crating.
- Export customs clearance in Lebanon. Our brokers handle Lebanese export formalities, including certificate of origin legalisation and any commodity-specific permits.
- Main carriage. By air to the Saudi airport gateway, by sea to Jeddah or Dammam, or by land, depending on the agreed mode.
- Saudi import clearance and delivery. Our in-kingdom partners clear the shipment through Saudi customs, handling SASO certification requirements and any regulated-goods procedures, then deliver to the consignee.
Saudi Arabia customs, what exporters must know
Saudi Arabia operates detailed import controls, and preparing the correct documentation before export avoids costly delays:
- Commercial invoice and packing list, must accurately reflect the goods, value and country of origin.
- Certificate of origin, typically issued by the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and legalised by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Beirut.
- SASO conformity certificate, required for a wide range of product categories including electronics, food products, cosmetics and industrial goods.
- Halal certification, mandatory for food, beverages and related products.
- Health or phytosanitary certificates, for fresh produce, plants and certain foodstuffs.
- Bill of lading or air waybill, the transport document issued by GHO Express.
Our team confirms the exact checklist for your HS code and commodity type before we book the shipment.
Why GHO Express for the Lebanon-Saudi Arabia lane
- Since 1971, five decades of freight experience through Beirut, including long-standing relationships with Saudi-bound carriers and agents.
- FIDI member, international standards for quality, process and accountability across our operations.
- Multi-modal capability, air, sea and land freight under one roof, with the guidance to choose the right mode for each consignment.
- Customs expertise, our brokers know Lebanese export procedures and coordinate closely with our Saudi partners on in-kingdom requirements.
- Global network, trusted agents on the ground in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam ensure reliable last-mile delivery.
Whether you are a Lebanese exporter shipping products to the Saudi market or a Saudi company sourcing goods from Lebanon, GHO Express manages the full freight cycle from pickup to delivery. Request a quote with your cargo details and we will respond with a clear routing, realistic transit time and competitive rate.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Does GHO Express have an office in Saudi Arabia?
No. Our physical offices are in Lebanon, our Beirut headquarters at St. Charles City Center, Mina El Hosn, and our airport cargo office at Rafic Hariri International Airport. We serve Saudi Arabia through our global partner and agent network, which manages customs clearance and delivery in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other Saudi cities on our behalf. You retain a single point of contact with our Beirut team throughout.
How long does shipping from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia take?
Air freight from Beirut to Riyadh or Jeddah typically arrives within 2-4 days of departure. Sea freight via Jeddah Islamic Port or Dammam Port (King Abdulaziz Port) usually takes 10-20 days depending on routing and transhipment. Land freight through Syria and Jordan or via sea-land combinations varies with border conditions. We provide a realistic transit estimate when we quote your specific shipment.
What documents are required to ship goods from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia?
A standard Saudi-bound export shipment requires a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (usually legalised through the Chamber of Commerce and authenticated by the Saudi embassy), and for regulated goods, product-specific certificates such as SASO conformity certificates, health or phytosanitary certificates, or halal certification. Our team confirms the exact document checklist for your commodity before booking.
Which shipping mode is best for the Lebanon-Saudi Arabia lane?
Air freight is best for urgent, high-value or perishable cargo. Sea freight (FCL or LCL) is cost-effective for larger volumes; Jeddah is the main gateway for goods heading to western and central Saudi Arabia, while Dammam serves the Eastern Province. Land freight can work for certain commodity types and when road-corridor conditions permit. Many shippers combine modes, sea for bulk, air for urgent replenishments.
What are the Saudi customs requirements I should know about?
Saudi Arabia applies strict import controls. Key requirements include SASO product certification for many goods, halal certification for food and beverages, correct HS codes, and legalised commercial documentation. Some goods are prohibited or restricted. Our experienced team navigates Saudi customs rules and coordinates with our in-kingdom partners to avoid delays at the port of entry.
Can GHO Express handle both import and export on the Lebanon-Saudi Arabia lane?
Yes. We handle exports from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia and imports from Saudi Arabia into Lebanon, including collection, export clearance in Beirut, main carriage by air or sea, and import clearance at the Saudi destination. If you are a Saudi exporter sending goods to Lebanon, our team manages the clearance at Beirut Port or Rafic Hariri International Airport.