Visa-free travel permitted for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain in China.
China is set to offer visa-free entry to citizens from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain for a one-year period, beginning on June 9, 2025, and ending on June 8, 2026. This was announced as part of a visa exemption initiative by the Chinese government. The policy allows holders of ordinary passports to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa.
The aim of this initiative is to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, as well as boost tourism between China and these Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning revealed that the policy applies to visits for tourism, business, family reunions, and work purposes.
This move extends China's visa-free treatment to all GCC member countries, as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have had similar reciprocal visa-free arrangements with China since 2018.
The Chinese embassy in Kuwait made this information known. The visa-free policy is expected to enhance bilateral exchanges, strengthen cultural ties, and boost cooperation between China and the GCC nations.
[-1 Schengen visa delays: UAE residents can get a UK visit visa in a day][-1 Getting a Schengen visa is the easiest at these countries]
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- This move by China, expected to start in June 2025, will not only allow tourists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain to visit China visa-free but also those engaging in business, family reunions, or work purposes.
- As China extends its visa-free policy to all GCC member countries, it is expected to bolster not only tourism and diplomatic ties but also cultural and economic cooperation, as well as bilateral exchanges.
