China Announces Visa-Free Travel for Four Gulf Nations

China has extended its short-term visa exemption policy to four countries in the GCC region. The change was announced on 28 May 2025, just one day after a major summit between China, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Southeast Asian nations. 

Starting 9 June 2025, passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain can enter China without a visa.

The visa-free arrangement allows travelers from these nations to stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or cultural exchanges. The policy will remain in effect through 8 June 2026 as a one-year trial.

This decision came shortly after leaders from China, the GCC, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen regional economic partnerships and respond to global trade shifts involving the United States.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the policy expands on the visa waivers introduced in 2018 with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 

With this update, all six GCC member states now benefit from visa-free access to China. She added that China welcomes more visitors from the Gulf region and hopes the policy will lead to more flexible and spontaneous travel.

Since late 2023, China has been expanding its visa-free travel program to attract more international visitors and support tourism after years of Covid-related travel limits. 

Earlier in May, similar access was granted to five South American countries, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, as part of the same effort to open up and grow international ties.