China Introduces Visa-Free Regime for 4 Gulf Countries
Ahmed Emam
Starting 9 June 2025, China launched a trial phase of a unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, according to the "Global Times" , a media outlet affiliated with TV BRICS.
Under this new arrangement, ordinary passport holders from these four Gulf countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. Permitted travel purposes include tourism, business, visiting relatives, cultural activities, or transiting through the country. The pilot program will remain in effect until 8 June 2026.
With this move, China has now extended visa-free access to all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Previously, in 2018, China had established mutual visa exemption agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that his country warmly welcomes visitors from the GCC, highlighting that the growing scope of visa-free policies reflects the country's broader commitment to openness and international engagement.
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