In a significant move aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf region, China has officially launched a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, starting June 9, 2025, and running through June 8, 2026. This adds to Beijing’s growing list of countries benefiting from unilateral visa-free access, now totaling 47 nations.
This update comes in addition to the visa liberalization measures introduced in May 2025, reflecting China’s ongoing strategy to boost global connectivity, attract tourism, and strengthen partnerships, especially with the Middle East.
What’s Included in the New Visa-Free Policy?
Under the newly introduced trial scheme:
- Regular passport holders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia can travel to China without a visa.
- The visit must be for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchange, or transit purposes.
- The maximum stay allowed is 30 days per visit.
Why It Matters: GCC-Wide Visa-Free Access Achieved
With this move, China has now achieved full visa-free access for all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations:
- Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were already covered under mutual visa waiver agreements signed in 2018.
- Now, all GCC nations—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE—enjoy visa-free travel to China, reinforcing the deepening strategic and economic partnership between the Gulf and China.
Context: Expanding China’s Global Visa-Free Reach
This policy expansion follows China’s earlier 2025 commitment to facilitate easier entry for travelers from friendly nations and stimulate tourism and investment in the post-pandemic era. The list of visa-free countries is expected to grow as China engages more proactively in bilateral and unilateral arrangements.
What’s Next?
Observers believe this gesture is likely to spur reciprocal or enhanced cooperation agreements, increased tourism inflows, and broader business exchanges between China and the Middle East. The move is also part of China’s broader Belt and Road diplomacy, under which Gulf nations play a pivotal role.