These 4 GCC Countries Granted Visa-Free Entry To China For Up To 1 Year! Details Inside

Visa-holders from Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman can now fly to China. Worried about visa woes? Well, starting June 9, 2025, China welcomes citizens from these GCC countries to visit China without a visa. Yes, you read that right, China just approved visa-free entry for 4 more Gulf nations, and it’s a big win for travellers and businesses alike.

Breaking: Visa-Free Entry To China Now In Process For 4 More GCC Nations

The main aim of this visa-free policy is to boost the bonds between China and GCC countries. Residents with a valid passport from these countries can now officially visit and stay in China for 30 days. The visa-free policy starts from June 9, 2025. Expect the trial to end on June 8, 2026. So pack your bags and book that flight within this span. 

This announcement follows the successful mutual visa exemption that China has already enjoyed with Qatar and the UAE since 2018. So yes, China has officially gone all in. Guess what, the entire GCC is now visa-free for short visits.

What Does This Mean For You?

No more consulate appointments, paperwork pile-ups or embassy queues. Just pack your passport and get ready to holiday in the land of dumplings and dragons(not literally!). This visa-free entry will lead to a tremendous boost in tourism, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges between China and the GCC.

Any more surprises left? Yes! With this trial period announcement, travellers don’t need to apply at Chinese embassies or consulates in advance. So, just fly to China and explore.

Also Read: From Oman’s New Payment System To Qatar’s Visa-Free Entry For Indian Tourists, 6 GCC Updates For You

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about convenient travel between China and GCC countries. It’s a clear sign of China’s growing friendship with the Middle East. Think stronger trade, deeper cultural exchanges, and yes, way more Gulf tourists in Shanghai waiting to click their perfect selfies against the picturesque backdrops.

So, if China is on your travel bucket list, this is your sign. Get packing, China is calling! 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/HansMusa, Anson Fernandez Dionisio, trabantos, gopal sutar