China Extends Visa-Free Access to Gulf Cooperation Council Countries Boosting Regional Travel and Business

China has announced a new visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with the Gulf region. Effective from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, citizens of these four countries will be able to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit.

According to officials, this initiative aims to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation between China and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The addition of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain to the list of visa-exempt nations brings the entire GCC bloc under China's visa-free entry policy, following the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in 2018.

This move is expected to boost travel and commerce, providing new opportunities for mutual investment, cultural exchange, and tourism. Over the past several years, relations between China and GCC states have deepened across various fields, including energy, technology, and infrastructure development. The streamlined entry process is likely to further accelerate joint ventures and high-level exchanges, with travelers enjoying easier access than ever before.

The visa exemption applies specifically to travelers holding ordinary passports, who can make multiple trips within the one-year window as long as each visit does not exceed the 30-day limit. Those seeking to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days are still required to obtain appropriate visas prior to entering China.

This comprehensive policy underscores China’s ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the Middle East. As both sides look to expand cooperation, the visa-free arrangement is set to play a pivotal role in cementing ties and promoting greater mobility among their citizens.