Starting from June 9, 2025, China has implemented a pilot visa – free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This move significantly expands China’s unilateral visa – free “circle of friends”.
From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from these four countries can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, and transits for no more than 30 days. Coupled with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have had a full – scale visa – free policy with China since 2018, China has now achieved full visa – free coverage for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The GCC consists of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. These countries, with their rich oil and gas resources, have close economic and cultural ties with China.
To help the public better understand this new policy, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Do foreigners need to declare in advance through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad?
Ans: Foreigners who meet the requirements do not need to declare in advance when using the visa – free policy to visit China.
Are there any special requirements for minors to enter China under the visa – free policy?
Ans: Minors have the same conditions as adults when entering China under the visa – free policy.
Are there requirements for the types and validity of entry documents?
Ans: Foreigners must hold valid ordinary passports with a validity period that meets the needs of their stay in China. Those with travel documents, temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not eligible for this visa – free policy.
How is the 30 – day stay period calculated?
Ans: The 30 – day stay period starts from the day after entry and can be continuously extended for 30 natural days.
Can tour groups use the visa – free entry policy?
Ans: Whether traveling in a tour group or individually, foreigners who meet the visa – free requirements can enter China under this policy.
Can foreigners enter China multiple times? Are there any requirements for the time interval between entries?
Ans: Eligible foreigners can enter China multiple times. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa – free entries or the total number of days of stay. However, they should not engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of their entry.
This expanded visa – free policy not only reflects China’s commitment to facilitating international exchanges but also promotes cultural and economic cooperation between China and these countries, making “China Travel” more accessible and attractive.
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