China Expands Visa-Free Entry to GCC Countries: Details and Implications

China now allows 30-day visa-free entry GCC citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The policy facilitates trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, signaling deeper Sino-Gulf cooperation. 

In a move aimed at deepening people-to-people exchanges and facilitating closer cooperation with key global partners, China has announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of several countries across Latin America and the Middle East.  

Effective from June 9, 2025, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be allowed to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, for purposes including:  

• Business; 

• Tourism; 

• Family visits; or  

• Transit.  

This policy will remain in effect until June 8, 2026. 

The decision, which follows a similar announcement for five Latin American nations, reflects Beijing’s strategic intent to strengthen its ties with countries that play a vital role in China’s global trade and diplomatic networks.   

Strategic significance of China visa-free policy for the GCC 

China’s recent decision to extend visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (specifically, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain) marks a milestone in Sino-Gulf relations.  

This policy, effective from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, allows ordinary passport holders from these nations to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, facilitating travel for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit purposes.  

The move potentially highlights China’s strategic intent to deepen ties with the GCC, a region of growing economic and geopolitical importance. Trade between China and the GCC has been on an upward trajectory, reaching US$288 billion in 2024, surpassing the GCC’s combined trade with the EU and the US. 

The visa-free policy is expected to further bolster this relationship by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and facilitating easier access for business and tourism. 

Moreover, this policy aligns with China’s broader BRI, aiming to enhance connectivity and cooperation across Eurasia. By easing travel restrictions, China is fostering an environment conducive to increased collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. The policy may also prompt reciprocal arrangements from GCC countries, potentially leading to a more integrated and cooperative Sino-Gulf partnership. 

Practical implications for business and tourism 

For businesses 

The visa-free policy significantly lowers barriers for Gulf-based businesses seeking opportunities in China. Representatives from companies, investors, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now more readily attend trade fairs, exhibitions, and meetings. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for sectors where China and the GCC have mutual interests, such as energy, construction, fintech, logistics, and real estate. 

The policy is anticipated to lead to an uptick in business delegations and exploratory missions, fostering deeper commercial ties. It also provides a platform for Gulf businesses to explore partnerships and investment opportunities within China’s vast market. 

For tourism 

Tourism stands to gain significantly from the visa-free arrangement. Gulf tourists, known for their high spending, can now travel to China with greater ease, potentially leading to increased tourist inflows. This is timely, considering China’s inbound tourism recovery, with 94.6 million international inbound recorded in the first three quarters of 2024, achieving over 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels. 

Chinese cities and tourism service providers are likely to adapt to cater to Middle Eastern cultural preferences, such as offering Halal food options and Arabic-language services. This cultural accommodation can enhance the travel experience for Gulf tourists, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth promotion. 

For cultural and academic exchanges 

The visa-free policy also opens avenues for cultural and academic exchanges. Students, researchers, and cultural ambassadors from the GCC can now visit China more easily, facilitating educational collaborations and cultural understanding. Such exchanges contribute to strengthening bilateral soft power dynamics and fostering long-term relationships between China and GCC nations. 

By implementing this visa-free policy, China is not only simplifying travel procedures but also signaling its commitment to deepening ties with the GCC. The policy’s multifaceted implications span economic, cultural, and diplomatic domains, promising a more interconnected and collaborative future between China and the Middle East. 

What businesses and travelers should do next 

As China opens its doors to Gulf nations through its visa-free policy, businesses and travelers should proactively prepare to take full advantage of this opportunity. First and foremost, individuals planning to travel to China are advised to closely monitor updates from official Chinese embassies and consulates in their respective countries. While the policy provides for visa-free stays of up to 30 days, eligibility conditions and documentation requirements—such as proof of accommodation, onward travel, or purpose of visit—may vary and should be confirmed in advance. 

Businesses in the GCC should begin evaluating the potential to send representatives to China for exploratory visits, market assessments, and participation in commercial events. China’s 2025 trade show calendar includes major exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, both offering valuable platforms for foreign businesses to establish contacts and promote their offerings. These events are often accompanied by policy briefings and investment forums linked to the BRI, making them ideal occasions for Gulf firms to engage Chinese counterparts. 

Travelers uncertain about their eligibility under the visa-free scheme or planning activities beyond the scope of the exemption—such as employment or study—should consult Chinese visa centers or embassies in the region. Ensuring full compliance with entry rules will help avoid unnecessary disruptions and make the most of this window of opportunity. 

Key takeaways 

China’s decision to extend visa-free entry to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain marks a meaningful milestone in the evolution of Sino-Arab relations. By easing travel requirements, China is not only facilitating smoother business and tourism exchanges but also reinforcing its commitment to deepening engagement with Gulf countries across multiple domains. 

As regional dynamics continue to shift, policies that promote openness and mobility are key to fostering trust and long-term partnership. China’s visa-free initiative sends a clear message: China is ready to welcome its Gulf partners with fewer bureaucratic barriers and a stronger hand of cooperation. 

Also read: Saudi Arabia and China Sign US$3.7 Billion in Agricultural and Trade Deals

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