China Extends Visa-Free Access to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait

Key Takeaways

• China includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in visa-free policy from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026.
• Policy allows stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, and transit without visa fees.
• This move completes visa-free access for all GCC countries, boosting travel, trade, and diplomatic ties with China.

China Expands Visa-Free Policy to All Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

China 🇨🇳 has taken a major step in its international relations by expanding its visa-free policy to include Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This move, announced on May 28, 2025, means that all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries now enjoy visa-free access to China. The new policy will be in effect from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, and is expected to boost travel, business, and cultural exchanges between China and the Gulf region.

This article explains what the new visa-free policy means, who it affects, why China made this decision, and how it fits into the country’s broader immigration and foreign policy goals. We’ll also look at what travelers from the GCC need to know, the impact on different groups, and how this fits into China’s recent pattern of opening up to the world.

What Is the New Visa-Free Policy?

Who is affected?
Ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain can now travel to China 🇨🇳 without needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This policy already covered the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, so now all GCC countries are included.

When does it start?
The policy begins on June 9, 2025, and will run as a trial until June 8, 2026.

What does it cover?
Travelers can visit China for business, tourism, sightseeing, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit. However, if someone wants to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, they still need to apply for the correct visa before traveling.

Where was it announced?
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the announcement during a press briefing in Beijing on May 28, 2025.

Why is China doing this?
China wants to make travel easier for people from the Gulf region, boost tourism, and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with these important countries.

How does it work?
Eligible travelers simply need to show their ordinary passport at the border. There is no need to apply for a visa in advance for visits up to 30 days.

Why Is This Policy Important?

This visa-free policy is a big deal for several reasons:

• It completes visa-free access for all GCC countries. The GCC is a group of six countries in the Gulf region: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These countries are important trading partners for China and have strong economies.
• It supports China’s “high-level opening-up” strategy. This is part of China’s plan to make it easier for people from around the world to visit, do business, and build relationships with China.
• It encourages more travel and business. By removing the need for a visa, China hopes to attract more tourists and business visitors from wealthy Gulf nations.
• It strengthens diplomatic and economic ties. The move is expected to help China build closer friendships and stronger business links with the Gulf region.

Details of the New Policy

Let’s break down the main points of the new visa-free policy for GCC countries:

Who is eligible?
– Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain who hold ordinary passports.
– The policy already covers citizens of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

What can you do under this policy?
– Visit China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, cultural exchanges, or transit.

What can’t you do?
– You cannot work, study, or stay longer than 30 days without the correct visa.
– If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.

How long is the policy valid?
– The trial period runs from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026.

What documents do you need?
– A valid ordinary passport from one of the eligible countries.

Are there any fees?
– There are no visa fees for eligible travelers under this policy.

What happens if you overstay?
– Overstaying your 30-day limit can lead to fines, deportation, or being banned from entering China in the future.

For more details on China’s entry and exit policies, travelers can visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration of China.

How Does This Fit into China’s Broader Visa Policy?

China has been expanding its visa-free policies to many countries in recent years. Here’s a look at some recent changes:

• May 2025: China announced visa-free travel for nationals from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay for short-term stays starting June 1, 2025.
• November 2024: China added Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Estonia, Montenegro, Latvia, Malta, and Japan to its visa-free list.
• Since November 8, 2024: Nationals from Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, South Korea, Andorra, Monaco, Slovakia, and Liechtenstein have been able to travel to China visa-free until December 31, 2025.
• May 14, 2025: China and Uzbekistan signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 30 days at a time, with a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

These changes show that China is working hard to make travel easier for people from many parts of the world, not just the Gulf region.

China’s Visa-Free Framework Explained

China’s visa-free system has three main parts:

1. Unilateral visa-free policies: China allows citizens from certain countries to enter without a visa, even if those countries don’t offer the same to Chinese citizens. The new policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain is an example.
2. Mutual visa exemption agreements: China has signed agreements with over 150 countries, but most only apply to people with diplomatic or official passports, not ordinary travelers.
3. Ordinary passport visa exemptions: Right now, 26 countries have deals with China that let their citizens with ordinary passports visit for short stays without a visa.

Most visa-free stays are limited to 30 days per visit or a total of 90 days in any 180-day period. If you want to stay longer or do things like work or study, you still need to apply for the right visa. You can find official visa application forms and instructions on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website.

Why Is China Focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council?

The Gulf Cooperation Council is a group of six countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These countries are known for their strong economies, large energy resources, and growing populations of travelers.

China has strong business and energy ties with the GCC. Many Chinese companies do business in the Gulf, and China buys a lot of oil and gas from these countries. By making it easier for people from the GCC to visit, China hopes to:

• Attract more tourists and business visitors.
• Encourage investment and trade.
• Build closer friendships and cultural connections.
• Support its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect China with countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe through trade and infrastructure.

What Does This Mean for Travelers from the GCC?

If you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, or Bahrain, here’s what you need to know:

• You can travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days starting June 9, 2025.
• You must have an ordinary passport. Diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
• You can visit for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.
• If you want to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for the correct visa before you go.
• You should not overstay your allowed time. Overstaying can lead to fines or being banned from China.

This policy makes it much easier to plan a trip to China, whether for business meetings, tourism, or visiting family and friends. There’s no need to fill out visa forms, pay visa fees, or wait for approval.

How Will This Affect Different Groups?

For Travelers:
People from the GCC can now visit China more easily and on short notice. This is especially helpful for business travelers who need to attend meetings or events at the last minute.

For Businesses:
Companies in the Gulf region can send employees to China for business trips without worrying about visa delays. This could lead to more trade deals, partnerships, and investment.

For Tourism:
China is likely to see more tourists from the Gulf region, especially as people look for new places to visit. This could help China’s tourism industry recover after the pandemic.

For Students and Workers:
The policy does not cover long-term stays for work or study. People who want to work or study in China still need to apply for the correct visa. For example, students must apply for the X1 or X2 student visa, and workers need a Z visa.

For Families:
Families can visit relatives in China more easily, making it simpler to maintain family connections across borders.

What Are the Risks and Limitations?

While the new policy is a positive step, there are some important things to keep in mind:

• The policy is a trial. It is only guaranteed from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026. China may decide to extend, change, or end the policy after the trial period.
• It only covers short stays. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa.
• It only applies to ordinary passports. Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
• Travelers must still follow Chinese laws. Overstaying, working without permission, or breaking other rules can lead to penalties.

How Does This Compare to Other Countries’ Policies?

China’s move to expand visa-free access to the GCC is part of a global trend. Many countries are making it easier for people to travel for business and tourism. For example:

• The European Union has visa-free agreements with many countries, allowing short visits for tourism or business.
• The United States 🇺🇸 has the Visa Waiver Program, which lets citizens of certain countries visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
• The GCC countries themselves often offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to each other’s citizens.

China’s policy is especially important because it covers a large, fast-growing region with strong economic ties to China.

What Should GCC Travelers Do Next?

If you’re planning a trip to China from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, or Bahrain, here are some steps to follow:

1. Check your passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months after your planned entry date.
2. Plan your trip. Decide on your travel dates, purpose, and where you want to go in China.
3. Book your flights and accommodation. You don’t need to apply for a visa, but you may need to show proof of your travel plans at the border.
4. Prepare supporting documents. Bring proof of your return ticket, hotel booking, and any invitation letters if you are visiting family or for business.
5. Follow Chinese laws and rules. Respect the 30-day limit and do not work or study without the correct visa.

For the latest updates and official information, always check the National Immigration Administration of China before you travel.

The Bigger Picture: China’s Global Opening

China’s decision to expand its visa-free policy to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries is part of a larger effort to make the country more open and connected to the world. By making it easier for people from the Gulf region to visit, China is showing its commitment to building strong international relationships.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, while also supporting China’s economic goals in the Middle East. It also reflects a growing trend of countries around the world making travel easier and more accessible.

Conclusion: What This Means for the Future

China’s expanded visa-free policy for the Gulf Cooperation Council is a win for travelers, businesses, and both regions’ economies. It removes barriers, encourages new connections, and shows China’s willingness to welcome visitors from important partner countries.

If you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, or Bahrain, this is a great time to explore China, whether for business, tourism, or family visits. Just remember to respect the rules, plan your trip carefully, and stay informed about any changes to the policy.

For more information and updates, always rely on official sources like the National Immigration Administration of China and consult your country’s embassy or consulate in China if you have questions. This new policy marks a significant step in China’s ongoing efforts to build stronger ties with the Gulf region and the world.

Learn Today

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) → A regional political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries sharing economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Ordinary Passport → A standard travel document issued to citizens for international travel, distinct from diplomatic or official passports.
Visa-Free Policy → A government policy permitting entry without a visa for short stays, facilitating easier travel.
Belt and Road Initiative → China’s global development strategy to enhance regional connectivity through trade and infrastructure investments.
Overstay → Remaining in a foreign country beyond the allowed visa or visa-free duration, leading to penalties.

This Article in a Nutshell

China expands visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, enabling 30-day stays starting June 2025. This boosts tourism, business, and cultural exchange, enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between China and the Gulf region through a one-year trial policy.
— By VisaVerge.com