Effective 9 June 2025 — 8 June 2026

Key Takeaways:

• Ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
• Visits can be for business, leisure, family reunions or cultural events.
• Anyone planning to work, study or stay longer still needs the usual paperwork.
• The policy runs for one year while officials gauge demand and security needs.

Starting June 9, China will welcome visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain with a new visa-free policy. Passport holders from these four Gulf countries can now visit and stay in China for up to 30 days without needing a visa, thanks to a year-long trial program announced by China’s foreign ministry.

The policy, revealed on Wednesday, follows a key summit between Chinese leaders and officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia. This move builds on China’s earlier agreement with the UAE and Qatar, putting all six GCC nations on the list for short-term visa-free entry.

“China invites more travelers from the GCC to come and explore, whether for business or leisure,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. “We want to make it easier for our friends in the Gulf to make spontaneous trips to China.”

Why Now? A Push for Closer Ties

The announcement came just after a high-profile gathering in Kuala Lumpur, where leaders from China, ASEAN, and the GCC discussed ways to boost regional business and ease trade tensions with the US. 

During the event, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the potential for stronger economic cooperation and the chance to create what he called a “vibrant economic circle.”

Li highlighted the value of using this moment to build a bigger, shared market, one where goods, talent, and new ideas can move freely and easily across borders.

What’s Behind the New Policy?

The Gulf Cooperation Council, based in Riyadh, includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. China has become the Gulf’s top trading partner, with regular talks on how both sides can benefit from each other’s strengths. In February, central bank leaders from both regions agreed their economies are a good match.

This push for visa-free travel is part of a broader effort by China to revive tourism and welcome more international visitors after three tough years of pandemic restrictions. 

Since late 2023, China has steadily expanded its visa-free policies. Just this month, it added Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in South America to its list.

Who Can Benefit?

• Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
• Trip purposes: Business, tourism, family visits, or cultural exchange
• Maximum stay: Up to 30 days per visit
• Trial period: 1 year, starting June 9

China’s latest move signals a new chapter in its connections with the Gulf, and a fresh wave of travellers set to discover everything the country has to offer.

Content Disclaimer: This content was refreshed in May 2025. Please confirm all travel details with relevant embassies, agencies, and airlines for complete accuracy.