Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Beijing

Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Yahya A. S. Alzaid
Address: No. 1, Bei Xiao Jie, San Li Tun
Postal Code: 100600
Tel: (+86)10 6532 4825, 6532 5325, 6532 4818, 6532 4834
Fax: (+86)10 6532 5324
Military Attaché's Office
Address: 8-1-61 Ta Yuan Diplomatic Office Building
Tel: (+86)10 6532 5862
Fax: (+86)10 6532 5859

 General Information about Saudi Arabia
With an area of 2.25 million square kilometers, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsular. It has a population of 22 million people (2004 Census) and its capital is Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a typical nation of Islam, of which 85 percent are Sunnis and 15 percent are Shiites. Its official language is Arabic and English is widely spoken in the urban areas.

 Great Festivals
Saudi Arabia uses the Islamic calendar and it has two important festivals. The first is Eid Al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast Breaking), which falls on the first day in October. Usually, the holiday lasts for ten days from September 25th to October 5th. The second is Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), which is held on December 10th. The holiday of Eid Ai-Adha is also a ten day holiday, extending from December 5th to 15th.

 Visa Information
Saudi Arabia has very strict visa rules and the procedure for approval of visa is a bit complicated. Mainly, there are three kinds of visas: Visas for foreign Pilgrims and Muslims (Haji Visa and Umrah Visa), Visit Visas (Family Visit visa, Business Visit Visa, Diplomatic and Official Visa) and Employment Visa. Haji Visa will be started to issue from Mid-Shawwal until 29th Dhu Al-Qudah of each year. Umrah Visa will be issued from the beginning of the month of Safar to the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

 Special Notice for Chinese Citizens
No.1 Saudi Arabia's laws against drug trafficking are strictly enforced. The violators will be punished severely, death penalty may be included. Those who enter Saudi Arabia with a great deal of Chinese medicine are suggested to bring their doctors' prescriptions.

No.2 Don't enter Saudi Arabia with alcohol drinks and pork. If discovered, the products will be confiscated and destroyed. Meanwhile, the carrier will be arrested and fined heavily.

No.3 Don't bring any pornographic books and audio-video products when entering Saudi Arabia. If discovered, your video disks, removable hard disks and other multimedia carriers will be withheld by the customs.

No.4 Those who hold Israeli passports are required to replace their passports. If you refuse to replace your passport, you shall not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
No.5 No photo-taking in public or tourist attractions. Without permission, you can't take photos for Arabian people, especially for women. 

 Please contact China Embassy in Saudi Arabia if Saudi Arabians will go to China.