China Grants Visa-Free Entry to GCC Nationals
Ashwini Gambo
China Announces Visa-Free Entry for Gulf Nationals
Starting June 9, 2025, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain can now enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
The new policy applies to visits for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes, marking a significant step toward strengthening China–Gulf relations and promoting greater economic and cultural exchange.
Validity and Duration-
The visa-free entry policy will remain in effect until June 8, 2026, after which it may be subject to review or extension based on bilateral agreements.
This initiative follows China’s recent efforts to expand its visa exemption program, which has already included several European and Asian nations to encourage tourism and trade.
Strengthening China–Gulf Ties-
The move reflects China’s growing engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, supporting deeper partnerships in investment, energy, logistics, and tourism. With simplified travel procedures, both business travelers and tourists are expected to benefit from enhanced accessibility between China and GCC countries.
