China extends visa-free access for GCC travellers until end of 2026

China has extended its visa-free entry for residents of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait until 31 December 2026, allowing citizens to visit the country for up to 30 days per trip, whether for business, tourism, family or cultural purposes.

 

Introduced on 9 June 2025 as part of a one-year pilot programme, the visa waiver was initially due to expire mid-2026 but will now remain valid through the end of the year.

 

The UAE and Qatar already enjoy mutual visa exemption agreements with China, introduced in 2018.

 

The extension reflects China’s strengthening relationships across the GCC and supports the surge in interest between the two markets. According to Skyscanner, Shanghai is now the top emerging destination for Saudi travellers in 2026, with searches from the kingdom up 285%.

 

GCC-China connectivity has been expanding rapidly, fuelled by Saudia’s codeshare with China Eastern Airlines and Etihad Airways’ joint venture to strengthen services between the UAE and key Chinese gateways.

 

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Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have increased their operations to 64 weekly flights, adding three weekly services between Doha and Beijing Daxing, and Emirates has launched daily Dubai–Shenzhen flights, its fourth mainland China route after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

 

Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines will debut the first direct Beijing–Muscat service on 30 November 2025, marking a milestone for Oman’s growing focus on the Chinese market, with the Ministry of Tourism recently partnering with more than 80 travel companies in China. 

 

While the UAE and Qatar maintain reciprocal visa exemption agreements with China, Saudi, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait require Chinese citizens to apply for eVisas, which are then valid for stays of up to 30 days.

 

The GCC’s focus on the recovering Chinese market comes as the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 forecasts Middle East tourism spending to rise 50% to US$350 billion by 2030, with Chinese leisure spending expected to more than double during the same period.

 

For more information, visit consular.mfa.gov.cn