China has initiated a trial visa-free entry policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, expanding the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry to 47. On the policy’s announcement day, flight searches from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations to China surged 90% compared to the previous day, with Saudi travelers leading the search trends.
Guangzhou, a major transportation and commercial hub, attracts numerous Middle Eastern visitors. Many from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries fly to Guangzhou for shopping, savoring local cuisine, and experiencing traditional Chinese wellness practices. Some also engage in business activities while immersing in Cantonese culture.
From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, passport holders from the four countries can visit China for business, tourism, and other purposes for up to 30 days without a visa. This, combined with existing visa-free agreements with UAE and Qatar, covers all GCC nations. Ctrip data shows a 100% year-on-year increase in inbound tourism orders in Q1 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s orders soaring 235%.
Guangzhou’s inbound tourism has thrived. In Q1 2025, the city received 1.187 million inbound overnight tourists, up 11.7%, including 498,000 foreign visitors (a 31% increase). The “buy-and-refund” tax-free policy’s rapid implementation further boosts foreign tourist spending.
Several airlines have launched direct flights to Guangzhou. Saudi Arabian Airlines operates six weekly flights between Guangzhou and Riyadh/Jeddah, maintaining healthy seat occupancy rates. In response to the new policy, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies during the upcoming winter-spring season and major events like the Canton Fair, aiming to meet growing demand as more Middle Eastern travelers explore Guangzhou’s shopping, dining, cultural, and wellness offerings.
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