Starting today (June 9, 2025), China has implemented visa-free policy for holders of ordinary passports from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This expansion adds new members to China's "circle" of unilateral visa-free exemption countries, bringing the total number of countries benefiting from this policy to 47.

From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain visiting China for business, tourism, visiting relatives/friends, exchanges, or transit purposes for a period not exceeding 30 days may enter China without a visa. This development, combined with the comprehensive mutual visa exemption already in place since 2018 for fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, achieves "full coverage" of visa exemption for all GCC countries by China.

Frequently Asked Questions on Visa-free Policy

Q: Is prior declaration through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad required for visa-free travel to China?

A: Foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry to China under this policy do not need to make prior declarations to Chinese embassies or consulates.

Q: Are there any special requirements for minors applying for visa-free travel to China?

A: Minors are subject to the same conditions as adults for visa-free entry to China.

Q: Are there requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?

A: Foreign nationals must hold a valid ordinary passport to enter China under this policy, and its validity must meet the needs of their travel within China. Holders of travel permits, temporary, emergency, or other documents other than an ordinary passport are not eligible for visa-free entry.

Q: How is the 30-day duration of stay calculated?

A: The duration of stay permitted under visa-free entry is 30 calendar days, commencing from the day following the date of entry.

Q: Can tour groups utilize visa-free entry?

A: Foreign nationals who meet the conditions for visa-free travel to China can utilize the policy for entry whether traveling with a tour group or individually.

Q: Is multiple entry permitted, and are there requirements on the interval between entries?

A: Eligible foreign nationals can utilize the visa exemption policy for multiple entries to China. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or the total accumulated days of stay. However, it is important to note that visitors must not engage in activities inconsistent with the stated purpose of their entry.