Saudi Arabia Visa for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens are required to obtain a visa to visit Saudi Arabia due to the immigration and entry policies established by the Saudi government.

Visas are essential official documents allowing Chinese to enter and stay in Saudi Arabia for specific purposes, such as business, tourism, or study.

Currently, Saudi Arabia offers travelers from China several visa options — an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and a Regular Visa.

Saudi eVisa is a one-year multiple-entry electronic visa, allowing Chinese travelers to remain in the country for up to 90 days. The 96-hour Transit Visa is also available online upon booking the flight ticket.

Regular Visa is obtained at the Saudi Embassy and is necessary if your visit exceeds 90 days or involves activities beyond tourism (e.g., employment, studies). The allowed stay depends on your specific travel purpose.

Visa on Arrival, allowing a stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days, can be received at the entry points without any pre-arrangements.

All Chinese passport holders applying for a Saudi visa must have a passport that doesn’t expire for at least 6 months from the entry date. Most applicants also require a recent formal face photograph.

NOTE: Plan ahead and double-check your Saudi visa application details to prevent rejections or delays. If uncertain, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for guidance.

Saudi Visa Types Available for Chinese Nationals

Chinese citizens going on a trip to Saudi Arabia must understand the types of visas available and how they suit the travel goals to choose the best visa application method.

Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visa options designed to meet different needs, whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, religious purposes, or simply passing through during transit.

Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia can be obtained only by visiting the embassy in person and includes Diplomatic, Tourist, Business, Work, Residency, Family Visit, Extend Return, Escort, Student, Hajj, and Umrah options.

• Validity and Allowed Stay: Depend on the type of visa, typically more than 3 months.
• Processing Time: May take up to 8 weeks.
• Allowed Activities: Each visa option permits specific activities, e.g., Work Visas allow individuals to engage in employment activities within the country.
• Documents: Passport with at least a 6-month validity, face photograph, and additional documentation based on the chosen type.

The Electronic Visa (eVisa) is a convenient option that enables Chinese nationals to apply online through the official Visit Saudi website.

• Validity: One year, allowing multiple entries.
• Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days in total.
• Processing Time: Usually processed within 3 business days.
• Secure Option: Your personal and financial data is encrypted and protected.
• Allowed Activities: Tourism and business.
• Documents: Passport not expiring for 6 months of entry and recent formal photo.

Available at Saudi ports of entry, the Visa on Arrival allows for immediate access to Saudi Arabia. Chinese travelers can apply using self-service kiosks or passport control offices.

• Age Requirement: 18+ to enter alone; minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling.
• Visa Types: Both multiple-entry and single-entry visas are available, depending on Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations.
• Validity: One year from the issue date.
• Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days.
• Documents: Passport valid for 6 months of arrival to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Transit Visa is a single-entry visa issued automatically and sent via email upon booking your flight ticket from Flyanas or Saudia Airlines.

• Validity: 3 months.
• Duration of Stay: Up to 96 hours.
• Processing Time: Usually processed within a few minutes.
• Allowed Activities: Transit through Saudi Arabia, Umrah, sightseeing, and attending sports and entertainment events.
• Documents: Passport that remains effective for a minimum of 6 months of arrival.

By choosing the right visa type for your trip purpose, you can have a hassle-free experience in Saudi Arabia without stress or legal issues.

NOTE: You must check if you have all the proper documentation for your Saudi visa application.

Applying for a Saudi Visa at the Embassy

For Regular Visa applications, Chinese should book an appointment at the nearest Saudi Embassy.

There, it is necessary to submit all your required documents, including a completed application form, to the embassy staff for review to make sure that everything is in order.

Next, you’ll undergo a biometric scan, which includes providing your fingerprints and having your photo taken as part of the verification process.

Additionally, depending on the type of Saudi visa you are applying for, you may be required to attend a visa interview, where you’ll answer questions about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and potentially your financial or personal background.

Once your Saudi visa application has been approved, you will be notified by the embassy using the contact details you provided during the application process.

You may then visit the Saudi Embassy on the specified date to collect your passport with the visa stamped.

NOTE: Bring a valid ID and a copy of your Saudi visa application receipt for verification purposes.

Regular visa applications are processed within 8 weeks, so it is recommended to apply early to avoid any delays.

To contact the Saudi Embassy in Beijing, use these contact details:

• Address: San Li Town Be Cheao Je. No.1, 100600 Beijing
• Phone Number: 861085316555
• Fax: 861065325324
• Email Address: cnemb@mofa.gov.sa

Getting a Saudi eVisa as a Chinese Traveler

Applying for a Saudi eVisa is simple and fast, as the process only requires a few steps and Chinese can apply from any place at any time.

It’s best to submit the Saudi Electronic Visa application early (at least 5 days before your trip) to avoid potential delays during peak travel seasons.

To get a Saudi eVisa, grab your electronic device and follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the https://visa.visitsaudi.com/.
2. Complete the online application, providing personal and passport details.
3. Submit supporting documents, such as:
   • A valid Chinese passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
   • A formal face photo with a white background.
4. Pay the visa fee using a debit or credit card.
5. Receive your eVisa via email, typically within 3 business days.

Upon arrival, you will need to present your printed Saudi eVisa and passport to immigration officials.

If your passport expires before your eVisa for Saudi Arabia does, the visa becomes invalid, and you will need to reapply.

Benefits of the Official Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App

Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa has become even easier, thanks to the Official Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App.

The app simplifies the entire process, making it accessible right from your smartphone.

You may choose the Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App over traditional application method for the following reasons:

• User-Friendly Interface: The app’s interface is simple, making it easy for anyone to complete the visa process without complications.
• Time-Saving Features: You can complete the application process in just a few minutes.
• Secure Online Payment: The app allows you to pay directly without worrying about any data leaks.

You can download the app via Google Play or App Store.

TIP: At first, I was skeptical, but the app for modernized Saudi visa processing exceeded my expectations.

FAQs about Saudi Arabia Visas for Chinese Nationals

• Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Chinese citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

• What is the Saudi eVisa?
  The Saudi eVisa is an electronic visa for tourism and business allowing stays of up to 90 days in total.

• How can Chinese nationals apply for the Saudi eVisa?
  Chinese are able to apply online by filling out the application and paying the fee. The Saudi eVisa will be sent to the email address.

• What documents are required for a Saudi visa?
  You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a face photo, and additional documents based on the chosen Saudi visa type.

• How long does Saudi eVisa processing take?
  Saudi eVisas are processed within 3 business days.

• Can Chinese travelers get a Saudi Visa on Arrival?
  Visa on Arrival in Saudi Arabia is possible, but applying in advance is strongly recommended.

• What should travelers from China bring upon arrival in Saudi Arabia?
  Carry your printed Saudi visa and passport, making sure all details match your application.

Conclusion

Chinese citizens visiting Saudi Arabia have several visa options to suit different travel purposes, including eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and Regular Visa.

Each Saudi visa type comes with specific requirements and durations of stay, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your needs to eliminate any legal issues.

To have a problem-free application process, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and prepare any required documents, such as a recent photograph.

Planning ahead and double-checking your application details can help you avoid delays or rejections.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/China/EN/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx