China has launched a major visa-free access policy for all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, starting June 9, 2025. Nationals from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, joining travelers from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar who have enjoyed similar access since 2018. This move aims to boost business, tourism, and cultural ties between China and the Gulf region.
The new visa-free policy is a trial program running until June 8, 2026. Ordinary passport holders from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait are eligible. They can visit China for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or simply pass through while traveling elsewhere. The policy does not require travelers to apply for a visa before their trip, making travel easier and less expensive.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China welcomes friends from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to visit, do business, and experience China’s culture.” The announcement came during a major summit in Malaysia in May 2025, where leaders from the GCC, ASEAN, and China met to discuss regional cooperation. The timing highlights China’s push to strengthen its relationships with Gulf countries and encourage more people-to-people exchanges.
With this expansion, China’s visa-free access now covers all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This completes a process that began in 2018, when China first opened its doors to travelers from the UAE and Qatar. The policy is part of a larger trend in China’s immigration rules, which have become more open in recent years. As of June 2025, China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 47 countries, including several in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America.
For travelers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, the process is simple:
- Check eligibility: Make sure you have an ordinary passport from one of the four countries.
- Plan your trip: Your visit must be for business, tourism, family, cultural exchange, or transit.
- Stay within limits: You can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Arrive at the border: Show your passport at Chinese immigration. No advance visa application is needed.
- Follow the rules: Obey Chinese immigration laws during your stay.
- Leave on time: Depart China before your 30-day period ends to avoid fines or penalties.
This visa-free access is expected to make travel between China and the Gulf region much easier. Businesspeople can attend meetings and sign deals without waiting for visa approvals. Families can visit relatives, and tourists can explore China’s cities and cultural sites. The policy also supports students and artists who want to join cultural exchange programs.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move will likely increase trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The Gulf region is a key economic partner for China, especially in energy, finance, and construction. Easier travel can help companies build new partnerships and expand their business in both directions.
The visa-free policy is currently a trial, set to end on June 8, 2026. Chinese officials will review the results before deciding whether to extend or change the program. If the policy proves successful, China may keep it in place or even expand it to more countries or longer stays.
Travelers should remember that the visa-free policy only covers short visits of up to 30 days. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you still need to apply for the correct visa. The policy also does not apply to diplomatic or service passport holders, who have different rules.
China’s recent visa policy changes are not limited to the Gulf region. In late 2024 and early 2025, China added nine European countries to its visa-free list, allowing their citizens to visit for up to 30 days. South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay also gained visa-free access starting June 1, 2025. These changes show China’s effort to welcome more international visitors and promote global exchange.
The announcement of the expanded visa-free policy came during a high-profile summit in Malaysia, where leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, ASEAN, and China discussed ways to work together. The policy is seen as a sign of China’s commitment to building closer ties with the Gulf region, both economically and culturally.
For travelers and businesses, the new policy means less paperwork, lower costs, and more flexibility. Companies can send staff to China on short notice, while families can plan trips without worrying about visa delays. Tourism boards in both China and the Gulf countries expect to see more visitors and stronger cultural connections.
However, travelers should pay close attention to the policy’s expiration date and any updates from Chinese authorities. The visa-free program is a trial, and rules may change after June 8, 2026. It’s important to check official sources before booking travel. The Chinese National Immigration Administration provides up-to-date information on entry requirements and policy changes. You can visit their official website at https://en.nia.gov.cn/ for the latest details.
If you need professional help or have special questions, immigration law firms like Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. offer advice and support for travelers and businesses.
The expansion of visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries is a major step for China’s immigration policy. It reflects China’s desire to open its borders, welcome more visitors, and build stronger ties with key partners. For people in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, the new policy brings new opportunities to visit, do business, and learn about China.
As the trial period continues, travelers should:
- Stay informed: Check official Chinese government websites for updates.
- Plan ahead: Make sure your trip fits the visa-free rules.
- Follow the law: Respect Chinese immigration and local laws during your visit.
- Share feedback: If you have a good or bad experience, let your embassy or travel agent know. This can help improve future policies.
China’s visa-free policy for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is a sign of growing friendship and cooperation. It makes travel easier, supports business and tourism, and helps people from different cultures connect. As China reviews the results, more countries may benefit from similar policies in the future. For now, travelers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait can look forward to easier, faster, and more affordable trips to China.
Learn Today
Visa-free access → Permission to enter a country without needing a visa for a limited period.
Gulf Cooperation Council → Political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries in the Arabian Gulf region.
Ordinary passport → Standard travel document issued to citizens for international travel, excluding diplomatic or service passports.
Trial program → Temporary policy tested over a defined period to evaluate its effectiveness before final decisions.
Chinese National Immigration Administration → Government body in charge of managing China’s immigration laws and entry policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
China expands visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council members from June 2025, facilitating 30-day visits for business and tourism. This one-year trial aims to strengthen ties, increasing ease for travelers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait to explore China without needing prior visas.
— By VisaVerge.com
