Saudi Arabia entry requirements for travellers from China
Saudi Arabia has opened up to Chinese travellers considerably, and China sits on the list of 66 nationalities eligible for the tourist eVisa. The listing explicitly covers Hong Kong and Macau as well as the mainland, which removes a question that catches out travellers from the special administrative regions. This guide sets out what the visa allows and what to prepare before you fly.
Visa requirement summary
Chinese citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia, and the tourist eVisa is the standard route. China is on the eligible list, and Saudi Arabia’s own listing states that this includes Hong Kong and Macau, so holders of HKSAR and Macau SAR passports are covered on the same basis as mainland passport holders.
The eVisa is valid for 365 days from issue, allows multiple entries, and permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across that year. It covers tourism, events, visits to family and relatives, leisure and Umrah, with Hajj excluded. Health cover of up to SAR 100,000 is included with the visa.
An electronic travel authorisation is also available, valid for 730 days with up to 180 days of total stay, covering tourism, business, study, medical treatment and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
You can apply online in advance or obtain the visa on arrival at any Saudi international airport, since China is on the eligible list.
How long you can stay
The tourist eVisa allows 90 days in total across its 365 days of validity. The figure is cumulative across all your entries rather than a limit on each visit, which matters for business travellers making repeated short trips over a year.
The electronic travel authorisation allows a longer total, up to 180 days of stay across 730 days, and is worth considering if your work takes you to Saudi Arabia regularly.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This applies equally to mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passports.
Evidence of previous travel to Israel in your passport may result in refused entry.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
Saudi Arabia does not publish a set sum for Chinese visitors. You should be able to demonstrate that your stay is funded, through a bank statement, a credit card or confirmation that accommodation is already paid for. Business travellers attending an event or meeting will usually have an invitation or booking that makes the purpose clear.
The eVisa includes health cover up to SAR 100,000, so medical insurance is not a separate visa requirement.
Onward or return travel
Border officers may ask to see onward or return travel that falls within your visa validity. A confirmed return ticket is enough.
Applying for the visa
The tourist eVisa is applied for at visa.visitsaudi.com. You complete the form, pay online and receive the visa by email. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed version as a backup.
The electronic travel authorisation is applied for through the Saudi visa portal at ksavisa.sa.
Because China is on the eligible list, the visa can also be obtained on arrival at any Saudi international airport. Applying before you travel is still the more reliable option, particularly if you are arriving late or connecting onward.
For Chinese Muslim travellers performing Umrah, the tourist eVisa permits it. Since July 2026 there is also a dedicated one year multiple entry Umrah visa, valid for 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, arranged by buying a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform and obtaining an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before arrival. It does not activate during the Hajj season, from the first of Dhu Al Qi’dah to the 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah. Hajj requires a separate visa through Nusuk Hajj.
Health requirements
Travellers performing Hajj or Umrah must show proof of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination covering the ACWY strains. This applies to pilgrims rather than to all visitors.
A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. A direct flight from China will not trigger this, but a routing through an affected country can.
Other entry requirements
Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia and bringing it into the country is a serious offence.
Flights into Jeddah, Madinah and Taif are restricted during the Hajj season, which affects travellers with no connection to the pilgrimage. Check your route if you are travelling to the western region in late spring.
Entry to Mecca is restricted to Muslims, and parts of Medina are similarly restricted.
The tourist eVisa covers business related travel such as meetings, conferences and events. Taking up employment requires an entirely different permission.
If Saudi Arabia is a connection rather than a destination, SAUDIA and flynas passengers can use a 96 hour stopover visa to leave the airport and see something of the country between flights.
FAQs
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but China is one of the 66 eligible nationalities, so the tourist eVisa is available online or on arrival rather than through an embassy.
Does this cover Hong Kong and Macau passport holders?
Yes. Saudi Arabia’s eligible list names China including Hong Kong and Macau, so HKSAR and Macau SAR passport holders use the same route.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 days in total across the 365 days the eVisa is valid, spread across as many entries as you like.
Can I get the visa when I arrive?
Yes, at any Saudi international airport. Applying online in advance remains the safer choice.
Can I attend business meetings on the tourist eVisa?
Yes. The visa covers business visits, events and conferences. Employment is a separate matter requiring a different permission.
Can I visit Mecca?
Entry to Mecca is restricted to Muslims. Medina has both restricted and open areas.
Official sources
Saudi eVisa portal: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Visit Saudi visa regulations: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations
Saudi visa portal: https://ksavisa.sa/
Nusuk platform: https://www.nusuk.sa/