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Saudi Arabia Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Chinese citizens can obtain a Saudi e-Visa online or a visa on arrival at major entry points for tourism, valid for one year multiple entry with stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Guide last updated October 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • A recent digital passport-style photo for the online application
  • Confirmed accommodation details (hotel booking)
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Mandatory travel health insurance, which is bundled into the e-visa/visa-on-arrival fee
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected at the port of entry

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa/Visa on Arrival: multiple entry, valid for 1 year from issue, maximum stay of 90 days per visit, fee around SAR 535 (~USD 143) including mandatory insurance
  • Business Visa: requires an invitation from a Saudi host company, arranged separately through the Saudi e-visa business channel or embassy, fee varies
  • Umrah/Hajj visas are a separate religious-travel category with their own application process

Visa on arrival

  • Available to eligible nationalities, including Chinese passport holders, at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), and other major entry points
  • Steps: complete the e-visa application online in advance via visa.visitsaudi.com where possible, or apply at the dedicated visa-on-arrival counter
  • Fee is paid by credit card at the online portal, or by card/cash at the arrival counter, in SAR or USD equivalent
  • Processing at the counter typically takes 20-45 minutes depending on queue length
  • The online e-visa is generally faster to use at immigration since it is pre-approved before departure

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: approximately SAR 535 (~USD 143), which includes mandatory health insurance
  • No separate VFS/BLS fee for the e-visa/visa-on-arrival channel
  • Total estimated cost: USD 140-150
  • Online e-visa approval: typically within minutes to a few hours
  • Visa on arrival: issued immediately at the airport counter, no advance processing needed

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply for the e-visa online before departure to avoid airport queues, even though visa on arrival is also available
  • Common rejection reasons: mismatched passport details between the online application and physical passport, or insufficient hotel/fund proof
  • Dress code and conduct rules in Saudi Arabia are strictly enforced; review them before travel
  • No current bilateral advisory restricts Chinese nationals, and direct flights operate from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to Riyadh and Jeddah
  • The multiple-entry e-visa is valid for a full year, so frequent travelers do not need to reapply for each trip within that period

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.