What is Saudi Umrah Visa for Chinese citizens?
The Saudi government offers the Umrah visa to facilitate travel for Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage. Entering the country only to fulfill the spiritual rites of Umrah in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. While not a mandatory duty like Hajj, Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage that Muslims may perform at any time of the year, except when Hajj is being conducted.
Umrah Visa Explained: A Quick Overview
Purpose
Only religious travel to Mecca and Medina for Umrah is allowed under this visa, it does not authorize any business or tourist activities.
Eligibility
The Umrah pilgrimage is open solely to Muslims, meaning Chinese nationals are eligible only if they belong to the Islamic faith.
Validity
Though the Umrah visa remains valid for three months, the duration of stay for Umrah is capped at 30 days.
Umrah Season
Umrah is open year-round, it is not restricted to specific dates like Hajj. Umrah can be done at any time, just make sure your dates don’t overlap with the Hajj season, as it is suspended during Hajj, which falls in Dhul Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar.
Application
Chinese passport-holding Muslims must apply for the Umrah visa digital portals like Online Saudi Visa or through approved travel agencies.
Requirements
To apply, you generally need a valid China passport, recent photos, confirmed non-refundable return tickets and accommodation, plus vaccination certificates of meningitis and COVID-19.
Do Chinese citizens need an Umrah Visa?
A visa is required for Chinese nationals planning to perform Umrah and must apply for a visa before their journey. With the introduction of the Saudi eVisa platform, it has eased the visa application procedure by enabling online submissions smoother than before.
To perform Umrah, pilgrims have the option to apply for the Saudi Umrah visa either through travel agent or by using the Saudi Tourist eVisa that also grants access for Umrah.
To complete your Umrah visa application requires fulfilling certain eligibility requirements and submitting mandatory documents. Once these conditions are met, you can successfully submit your application, ensuring your application will be processed and approved.
What are the types of visas to apply to visit Saudi for Umrah?
Those holding Chinese passports, can choose to obtain their Umrah visa through the official website, Nusuk platform, licensed travel agencies or by applying online for the Saudi Tourist eVisa. Regardless of the application method, Both visa routes mandate possession of a valid passport, proof of vaccination, and meet all Saudi entry standards.
Saudi Umrah Visa (Pilgrimage Visa)
Key Features
- Issued exclusively for the purpose of performing Umrah.
- Can be applied through Nusuk platform which is the official Saudi Umrah Visa platform.
- Also, available through travel agents certified by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Used by pilgrims traveling in groups or and want a visa to perform Umrah only.
Validity
- Visa is usually active for 30 days from entry
- Intended for use outside the annual Hajj pilgrimage season
- If Umrah is performed in Ramadan, pilgrims must ensure they leave before Eid al-Fitr begins.
Saudi eVisa (Tourist Visa for Umrah)
Key Features
- A multiple-entry tourism visa that includes Umrah permissions, excluding the days of Hajj.
- Suited for solo travelers or individuals combining tourism with a spiritual journey
- Entire process is online, from form submission to receiving it on your mail
Validity
- 1-year validity, offers multiple entries.
- Up to 90 days stay per visit.
What are the documents required for Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The requirements for the Umrah Visa vary by nationality, as a Muslim with a Chinese passport, you will need to present the following documents.
Valid China Passport
To enter Saudi Arabia, the passport validity must extend at least six months past the intended date of entering and should have at least two blank pages on the passport for official entry stamps.
Passport-Size Photographs
Furnishing a recent passport photo in color with a plain white background is compulsory, ensuring it meets the standard biometric photo requirements
What are the application steps to follow to apply for different Visas to visit Saudi for Umrah?
Depending on the passport you hold, Muslim pilgrims will be able to choose between a dedicated Umrah Visa via Nusuk Platform or via Saudi tourist eVisa application which allows both tourism and to undertake the Umrah journey. Both application methods are discussed below:
Apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa through this Portal
Saudi Tourist eVisa for Chinese citizens, they can easily apply for the eVisa as they are in the list of eVisa eligible countries. To apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa, follow the simple steps mentioned below:
Key Documents Needed for the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Umrah
- Valid China passport
- Passport photo in color with a plain white background
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Confirmed stay arrangements to be made for the whole duration of stay in Saudi
Stepwise Application Instructions:
Step 1: Navigate to the Saudi eVisa page and click on "Apply Online" tab and begin your application
Step 2: Enter your personal data and travel itinerary in the eVisa application, specifying that you are visiting to perform Umrah.
Step 3: While completing the form, be sure to upload each of the specified documents listed above
Step 4: Use a valid card to settle the Saudi eVisa fee.
Step 5: After completing and submitting the Umrah eVisa form, you will have to wait for some days, with an average processing time of 3–5 working days.
Step 6: Your Umrah eVisa delivered directly to your email inbox upon approval.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.