China grants visa-free access to all GCC nationals

Citizens from Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman can stay for up to 30 days from 9 June

Citizens from all GCC countries will be able to access China visa-free from 9 June 2025 and stay for up to 30 days.

The UAE and Qatar have had mutual visa exemptions with China since 2018 and that will now be extended to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

The announcement was made by Chinese authorities following a meeting of leaders from the GCC, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to ease travel barriers.

“We warmly welcome more friends from GCC countries to embark on spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment journeys to China," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

The visa waiver applies to visits for business, tourism, family visits or cultural exchanges and will be trialled for one year, until 8 June 2026.

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China is an increasingly important market for outbound travellers from the GCC.

Emirates was the first airline to establish a direct route between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland in 2002 with the launch of services from Dubai to Shanghai. From 30 July 2025, the airline will launch a daily, non-stop service to Hangzhou, its fifth route to China following Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen, with the daily service between Dubai and Shenzhen beginning 1 July 2025.

Qatar Airways began a Beijing service in 2004 and the Doha-based airline now operates 45 weekly flights to seven cities in China.

From 30 July 2025, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland and UAE airline Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Bahrain’s Gulf Air added Shanghai and Guangzhou to its network in 2024 and that may well increase if there is increased demand due to the visa agreement.

Saudi flag carrier Saudia currently only flies direct to Beijing and Guangzhou in China.

The ability to access a country visa free is a big draw, especially for travellers who prefer to book last-minute during peak times such as during Eid holidays and would not have time to apply for a visa.

For more information, visit www.visaforchina.cn 

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