Four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, which encompass Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Bahrain, have been granted visa-free access to China. This move reflects the strengthening ties between these regions.
Starting June 9, 2025, China will extend its visa-free entry policy to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain will join the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, who were granted similar privileges in 2018.
The new policy, revealed by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, permits holders of ordinary passports to enter China without a visa, remaining for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit. The arrangement will be valid for one year, ending on June 8, 2026.
Confirming the embassy's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed warm invitations to GCC nationals, emphasizing China's openness and zest for deepening bilateral relations.
The move is a step towards solidifying China's ties with the region and increasing people-to-people connectivity and economic cooperation. It serves as a complement to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to draw in 5 million Chinese tourists annually. Moreover, it reflects China's ambition to become a preferred tourist destination for GCC citizens while strengthening trade relations. Saudi Arabia is currently China's largest trading partner in the Gulf region.
By implementing this policy, China demonstrates its commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation with the Gulf nations, further boosting diplomatic and economic relations.
The visa-free entry policy extension by China to GCC nations exemplifies its dedication to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly in the context of politics and general news focused on war-and-conflicts and migration. Engaging in such diplomatic initiatives can help in strengthening ties and encouraging people-to-people connectivity, fostering economic growth, and achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to attract 5 million Chinese tourists annually.
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