Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens – How to Apply in 2026
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From the ancient wonders of the Great Wall to the historic coral architecture of Jeddah, the modern Silk Road between China and Saudi Arabia is thriving. Under the Kingdom’s "Vision 2030" initiative and the growing diplomatic ties, the Saudi Arabia visa for Chinese passport holders has been fully digitized. This is a game-changer for Chinese travelers, eliminating the need for in-person visits to embassies in Beijing or consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
This guide explains how Chinese citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa in 2026, including eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, and permitted activities.
Quick Overview for Chinese Citizens:
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity: 1 Year (90 days per visit)
Application Method: 100% Online (No Embassy Visit)
Processing Time: 2–5 business days (Standard)
In 2026, the digital gates are open. Chinese citizens can now apply for a Saudi e-visa from China entirely online. Whether you are planning a luxury holiday in the Red Sea, attending major business exhibitions in Riyadh, or exploring AlUla, this Saudi Arabia online visa for Chinese citizens serves as your official entry authorization issued by the Kingdom.
At eviSAudi, we specialize in assisting travelers from East Asia. Our application checks follow the latest MOFA and Saudi Tourism Authority guidelines, ensuring Chinese applicants receive accurate, up-to-date visa approvals without delays or rejections.
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Traveling from China to Saudi Arabia with an E-Tourist Visa (Flight Routes)
Connectivity between the two nations is at an all-time high. For travelers departing from major hubs like Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN), there are excellent options:
Direct Flights (Saudia & China Southern): Holders of a Saudi tourist visa from China enjoy direct connectivity. Saudia Airlines and China Southern operate direct flights from Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai to Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED).
Via Hong Kong (HKG): Many travelers from the Greater Bay Area prefer flying via Hong Kong using Cathay Pacific, offering premium service to the Middle East.
Via Dubai (DXB): Emirates remains a popular choice for Chinese tourists, offering seamless connections from almost all major Chinese cities to Saudi Arabia.
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Financial Insights: Chinese Yuan (CNY) to Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Understanding the currency landscape is crucial before you apply for Saudi e-visa China. While you use the Renminbi (Yuan) at home, the currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
Exchange Rate: As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 CNY ≈ 0.50 - 0.55 SAR.
Banking Advice: Saudi Arabia welcomes Chinese travelers. UnionPay cards are widely accepted in ATMs and merchants across the Kingdom. Additionally, mobile payments like Alipay are becoming increasingly available in major malls and tourist spots.
Visa Payments: Please note that while your bank account is in CNY, our portal processes global visa fees in USD. Your bank will automatically handle the conversion at the daily exchange rate.
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Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time for Chinese Citizens
We offer a transparent, All-Inclusive fee structure specifically designed for the Saudi e-visa requirements for Chinese citizens. Our fees cover the Government Visa Fee, Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our Professional Processing Service.
We provide two tailored options depending on your travel urgency:
Standard Processing ($185.00 USD): The ideal choice for travelers with planned itineraries. This service ensures your visa is processed and issued within 2–5 business days.
Express Priority Service ($250.00 USD): Designed for urgent travel needs or last-minute business trips. We fast-track your Saudi Arabia online visa China application directly to the Ministry via our Urgent Express Visa service. Approvals are typically granted within 12–24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa from China
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa from China is a straightforward digital process. Chinese citizens are required to complete an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee securely. Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi e-visa is issued electronically and sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
It is important to ensure that your name in the application matches your passport Pinyin exactly. Even minor spelling inconsistencies can delay approval. Starting the application with verified information significantly increases approval speed and reduces visa application processing errors.
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Saudi Arabia E-Visa Requirements for Chinese Passport Holders
To ensure a 100% approval rate and avoid rejection due to strict Ministry standards, Chinese citizens must provide the following digital items:
Valid Passport: Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into the Kingdom.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, clear, color photo with a white background. (Selfies or photos with filters are not accepted).
Travel Information: A confirmed hotel booking or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia is required to complete the Saudi e-visa China form.
Email Address: A valid email to receive the PDF visa file.
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What Can Chinese Citizens Do with a Saudi E-Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa for Chinese citizens allows travel for tourism, business meetings, leisure activities, and Umrah. It is a flexible document designed for modern travelers. However, please note that employment, long-term study, or permanent residency purposes are strictly prohibited under this visa category.
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FAQ: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens
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Can Chinese citizens apply for a Saudi e-visa online in 2026?
Yes. China is listed as a "Group A" eligible country. This means Chinese citizens can complete the entire process online through our portal without visiting the embassy. The Saudi Arabia visa for Chinese passport holders is delivered as a PDF via email.
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Do Chinese citizens need a return ticket for a Saudi e-visa?
A return or onward ticket is recommended but not mandatory at the application stage. However, Saudi border officials may request proof of onward travel upon arrival, so having a return flight itinerary is strongly advised for smooth entry.
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How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for Chinese citizens?
The E-Tourist Visa is valid for 1 full year (365 days) from the date of issuance. It is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning you can fly from Beijing to Jeddah as many times as you like. However, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi e-visa China?
Yes, it is a requirement by Saudi Law. However, you do not need to buy it separately. We include the mandatory medical insurance recognized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) automatically in your $185 or $250 application fee.