From 9 June 2025, China began the experimental implementation of a unilateral visa-free regime for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This was reported by the Chinese newspaper 
Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

It is noted that holders of ordinary passports from these countries will be able to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business trips, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit. The pilot regime will last until 8 June 2026.

Thus, China has extended the visa-free regime to all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The PRC had already agreed to mutual visa waivers with the UAE and Qatar back in 2018.

The official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, emphasised that Beijing welcomes visitors from GCC countries. According to her, the continuous expansion of the visa-free regime demonstrates China’s commitment to becoming more open to the world.

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