According to a message posted on the WeChat official account of the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia on July 22, recently, several cases have occurred where Chinese citizens were arrested, sentenced, or deported by Saudi authorities for violating Saudi laws and regulations. The embassy reminds Chinese citizens in Saudi Arabia to comply with local laws and regulations, respect local religious beliefs and social customs, and not to break the law at their own expense.
1. Although the Saudi authorities have opened legal channels for buying alcohol to some groups of people, illegal purchase, transportation, storage, production, and sale of alcohol remains a criminal act. We have noticed that some Chinese citizens publicly post information about buying and selling alcohol on social media. We hope that Chinese citizens will not purchase, transport, store, or consume alcohol through any illegal channels. They should also refrain from participating in illegal transactions related to alcohol by brewing, selling, purchasing on behalf of others, or transporting alcohol. Additionally, they should not bring any alcohol-related equipment, materials, or instruments into the country. Chinese citizens with legal qualifications to purchase alcohol should not lend their licenses to others or allow them to buy on their behalf. They should also not resell or give away legally purchased alcohol to others.
II. The tension in the current region has escalated again. Chinese citizens are requested to closely follow the safety warnings issued by the authorities in Saudi Arabia, as well as the consular reminders from our embassies and consulates. The Saudi side takes a strict stance against any actions that involve the filming, publishing, spreading, or storing sensitive videos and images. Those who violate these rules may be detained on suspicion of compromising Saudi national security. Chinese citizens are advised not to film, store, or publish any photos or videos related to the Saudi government, military units, foreign embassies, consulates, or military activities. Please refrain from spreading information that has not been confirmed by official sources.
III. Recently, Saudi Arabia has introduced regulations to strengthen measures against violations such as visa overstays, illegal employment, and illegal entry/exit. Overstaying individuals who do not leave the country in time after their visa expires or fail to obtain a legal extension of their visa will be considered to be breaking the law. They could face up to 6 months in prison, a fine of 50,000 Saudi riyal, and deportation, along with a period of prohibition from entering the country. Enterprises and individuals who provide assistance such as transportation, accommodation, and asylum to overstayers and illegal workers will be considered to be committing serious criminal offenses. They could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of 1 million Saudi riyal, and confiscation of vehicles and property involved in the offense. It is hoped that Chinese citizens will not easily believe various promotional offers such as “visa vouchers,” “visa whitewashing,” or “visa grace periods.” All employers should pay attention to their employees’ residency status and visa types, and avoid employing people illegally.
IV. Relevant Saudi authorities have been intensifying law enforcement and penalties against various traffic violations in recent times. Chinese citizens are requested to comply with traffic rules, drive courteously, and not occupy parking spaces for persons with disabilities. It is strictly forbidden to rent or lend vehicles without a license. Do not jeopardize yourself by seeking temporary convenience or economic benefits at the expense of legal consequences.
5. According to relevant Saudi laws, non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Mecca. It is requested that Chinese citizens respect local religious beliefs and social customs, and pay attention to their words and behavior, as well as their lifestyle, clothing, and diet.
It is hoped that Chinese citizens in Shaanxi will further enhance their legal awareness and risk prevention consciousness, consciously abide by the law, jointly maintain the good image of Chinese citizens, and ensure a safe and smooth work, study, and life.
Saudi local emergency numbers: 911 for police (Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Eastern Province), 999 for other provinces; 993 for traffic accidents; 997 for ambulances; 998 for fire emergencies.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection and Emergency Hotline (24 Hours): +86-10-12308, +86-10-65612308
Embassy Protection Assistance Hotline for Saudi Arabia: +966-11-4831590
Jeddah Consulate General Contact Information: +966-508399809
China Embassy in Saudi Arabia
July 21, 2026
