On June 9, China’s visa-free trial policy officially took effect for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Combined with full mutual visa exemption for the UAE and Qatar since 2018, this now grants visa-free entry to all GCC member states. Individuals across the GCC stated that this policy will promote travel and exchanges with China and create a brighter future for China–GCC relations.
Recently, China decided to expand its visa-free policy. From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives, cultural exchange, or transit.
Aied Al-Yami, Director of International Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Investment, shared the news immediately on social media, saying: “Spontaneous trips to China are exciting. I’m pleased to see China–Saudi relations growing closer, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges becoming more convenient.”
Ishaq Al-Azri, Professor of Chinese at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, said that the Omani people generally welcome the policy, and the number of Omani entrepreneurs traveling to China for business will increase markedly. Cooperation in tourism will be upgraded, and Omani tourists look forward to discovering China’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Charbel Barakat, Director of the International Section at Kuwait’s Al‑Jarida Newspaper, said this visa-free policy will ease GCC citizens’ travel and business activities in China, and facilitate collaboration between GCC research institutes and Chinese universities, promoting mutual learning in humanities and other fields.
Jawad Al-Hawaj, President of the Bahrain–China Friendship Association, said the visa-free policy provides an opportunity to deepen friendly cooperation: “The Bahrain–China Friendship Association will seize this opportunity to enhance people-to-people exchanges.”
Bahraini economist Youshim Hussein said the visa waiver is an important move by China to strengthen cooperation with the GCC, and will powerfully promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the people of both sides.
Emirati travel blogger Abdullah Matar, currently visiting China on the “Hello! China” UAE Influencer Tour organized by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the China Cultural Center, said on social media that the visa-free policy “is a major benefit for tourists from GCC countries, including the UAE. Now you just need your passport to visit China.”
One of the Gulf’s largest travel companies, Emirates Kanoo Travel Group, launched four new China itinerary packages aimed at UAE, Bahrain, Saudi, and other GCC travelers. Kanoo CEO Harvi said, “The visa-free policy creates new possibilities for deepening cooperation. We will continue serving as a bridge to facilitate travel between GCC countries and China.”
Jassim Mahmoud, Public Relations Head at Qatar Tourism, said they look forward to deepening tourism cooperation with more partners and promoting further growth in the Qatar–China tourism market.
Professor Kyle Dibatt of Qatar University’s School of International Relations stated that the full visa waiver reflects China’s intention to deepen cooperation with GCC countries. Achieving visa-free coverage across the GCC will further propel bilateral relations, enhance people-to-people ties, and support the building of a shared future for humanity.
Source: People’s Daily, June 9, 2025, Page 3
