Why are there rules for Zamzam?
Zamzam water holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims. Returning home with a bottle of Zamzam for family and friends is a cherished tradition for every pilgrim completing Umrah or Hajj.
However, because Zamzam is a liquid and is transported in large volumes, airports and airlines enforce strict regulations to prevent spills that could damage aircraft electronics, baggage, or other passenger bags. Furthermore, the government regulates the distribution to prevent the commercial exploitation or sale of water.
The 4 Golden Rules of Zamzam Carriage
๐ท๏ธ 1. Official Sealed Bottles Only
You are only allowed to fly out with the official 5-liter Zamzam water bottle manufactured and wrapped by the Project of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for Zamzam. These bottles come in a protective plastic bag with a barcode. Custom bottles filled by hand inside the Haram or bought from unauthorized street vendors will be confiscated at the airport checkpoints.
๐ฆ 2. No Liquid in Suitcases
Do not pack Zamzam water inside your standard checked suitcases or carry-on backpacks. X-ray scanners at Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) airports will detect the liquid, leading to your bag being opened and delayed. The official 5L bottle must be checked in separately at the dedicated Zamzam baggage counter.
๐๏ธ 3. One Bottle Per Passport Limit
Each international passenger is strictly limited to checking in exactly ONE 5-liter bottle of Zamzam. You cannot check multiple bottles under a single passport, even if you are willing to pay extra luggage fees.
๐ธ 4. Fixed Official Pricing
The official price set by the government for a 5-liter packed Zamzam bottle is 8.5 SAR (approx. $2.25 USD). You can purchase it using cash, local cards, or Apple Pay at the airport departure terminals.
Where to Buy Official Zamzam Bottles
Official 5-liter Zamzam bottles are distributed only at authorized government centers to prevent counterfeiting:
Located directly outside the departure terminals at Jeddah (JED) Terminal 1 and Madinah (MED) Airport. You can buy it immediately before checking in your luggage.
The main distribution center located in the Kudai area of Makkah. Best if you are traveling by road (private car/bus) to other GCC nations.
Select major supermarkets in Makkah and Madinah (like Bin Dawood) occasionally stock official bottles under strict quotas.
Zamzam Rules FAQ
Can tourist visa holders carry Zamzam water?
Yes, under the current regulations, international travelers holding either an Umrah visa or a valid tourist visa are permitted to purchase and carry the official 5-liter Zamzam water bottle from the designated airport sales points, provided they are flying out of international airports like Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED).
Where can I buy the official Zamzam water bottle?
The official 5-liter Zamzam water bottle can be purchased directly at Jeddah Airport (Terminal 1 and North Terminal) and Madinah Airport outside the departure halls at the dedicated government-run booths. In Makkah, you can buy it at the Kudai Zamzam Water Distribution Center. The official fixed price is 8.5 SAR per bottle.
Can I put Zamzam water inside my checked suitcase?
No. Airport security authorities in Saudi Arabia strictly prohibit placing any liquid containers, including Zamzam water, inside your standard checked suitcases. Standard bags containing liquids will be flagged by scanners and held at baggage check. Zamzam must be checked separately as a standalone, officially packed bottle with a plastic protective wrap.
Is Zamzam water carried free of charge by airlines?
Most major airlines flying out of Saudi Arabia (such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Flynas, flyadeal, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Pakistan International Airlines) carry one official 5L Zamzam bottle per pilgrim free of charge as an additional baggage item. However, budget international carriers may charge a small handling fee or require it to fit within your purchased weight limit. Always check with your specific airline in advance.
Related Pilgrim Guides
Comfortable Airport Transfers with Extra Trunk Space
Checking in Zamzam and multiple suitcases requires sufficient luggage space. Book a spacious sedan or family SUV (GMC Yukon/Hyundai Staria) to transport your luggage and blessed water safely to the airport.