Umrah from Beijing
What pilgrims leaving from Beijing need to know: the flight, the visa route for Chinese, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Beijing
China has a significant Muslim population, including the Hui and other officially recognised Muslim ethnic groups, and Beijing serves as a departure point for pilgrims from across the country, with connections to Jeddah or Madinah typically routed through a Gulf hub or another Chinese city rather than flying nonstop. Umrah and Hajj travel from China operates under close government oversight through the Islamic Association of China, and it is essential to book only through officially sanctioned channels, since religious travel here is more tightly regulated than in most other countries. Confirm current policy and required documentation directly with an accredited agency well before planning your trip. The Chinese yuan is used locally. Beijing's climate brings cold, dry winters and hot summers, so pack according to your travel month. Given the regulated nature of this travel, working with an established, government-recognised operator is especially important, and timelines for visa and travel approval can be longer than in less regulated markets.
Umrah visa for Chinese
Chinese passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Chinese can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Chinese who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Beijing
Your biggest variables are the flight from PEK, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in CNY, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.