China announced on Tuesday (May 27) a significant expansion of its visa-free entry policy to cover all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, facilitating easier travel for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the new policy during a regular press briefing in response to media inquiries following the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit. The move aims to "further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries."
Under the trial policy effective from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from these four Gulf states will be exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days in China. The exemption applies to purposes including business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges, and transit.
Full GCC Coverage
Achieved expansion completes China's visa exemption coverage for the entire GCC bloc. The announcement follows China's implementation of a comprehensive mutual visa exemption with the UAE and Qatar in 2018. "We welcome more friends from GCC countries to enjoy an 'impromptu trip' to China," stated Spokesperson Mao Ning, highlighting the policy's alignment with China's broader efforts to promote international travel and exchanges.
The move marks a significant step in streamlining travel between China and the resource-rich Gulf region amid deepening economic and diplomatic ties.
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