In a significant move to strengthen ties with the Gulf region, China announced that it will adopt a visa-free entry policy for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain starting from June 9, 2025, until June 8, 2026. This new policy allows travelers holding ordinary passports from these four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.
According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, this initiative marks the first time China is extending visa-free access to these GCC countries, completing the coverage of all GCC member states under China’s visa-free entry scheme.
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This development was reported by China Daily and reflects China’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with the Gulf region.
The visa-free policy aims to facilitate tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between China and the GCC countries, promoting stronger cooperation and people-to-people connections. Travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain can now plan short visits to China with simplified entry procedures, enhancing mutual accessibility.
This step also aligns with China’s broader efforts to boost international tourism and foster goodwill as global travel resumes post-pandemic.
With all GCC countries now included in China’s visa waiver program, the move is expected to encourage more visitors and business delegations, benefiting economic ties and cultural understanding.
