China to Offer Visa-Free Entry to Citizens of 9 GCC and Latin American Countries

China is enhancing its visa-free entry policy, now including four Gulf nations. Starting June 9, 2025, citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. This move completes visa-free access for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and supports China’s tourism and diplomatic goals.

Are you planning a trip to China? Great news awaits! Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia will enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days. Additionally, from June 1, 2025, citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will also benefit from this policy. These changes reflect China’s efforts to boost tourism and strengthen international ties.

Visa-Free Entry Extended to All GCC Nations

This new policy follows the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, marking a significant step in regional integration. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates already had visa-free access, and this update completes the visa-free framework for all six GCC nations.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, eligible travelers can enter China without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. “We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on spontaneous trips to China,” Mao stated, highlighting the ease of travel under the new guidelines.

China’s Growing Network of Visa-Free Partners

This announcement is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its post-pandemic foreign relations. Since late 2023, China has expanded its list of visa-free countries to promote tourism and business travel. Currently, nationals from several regions enjoy 30-day visa-free access, including:

Europe:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Ireland
• Hungary
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg

Asia:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Malaysia

Oceania:

• Australia
• New Zealand

Latin America Next in Line

China’s outreach extends beyond the Gulf. Beginning June 1, 2025, five Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—will also enjoy 30-day visa-free access. This policy was announced shortly after the China-CELAC Forum, where President Xi Jinping emphasized strengthening ties with Latin America. Like the GCC initiative, this program enhances China’s international partnerships.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Simplified entry makes China a more appealing destination for:

• Gulf-based travelers seeking spontaneous vacations or business opportunities.
• Latin American tourists planning cultural exchanges or family visits.
• Frequent flyers from Europe, Asia, and Oceania can now bypass visa queues.

For airlines and tour operators, this move is expected to stimulate new routes, tourism packages, and increased demand for business-class travel between China and these regions.

Final Thoughts

China’s expansion of visa-free travel to all GCC countries and five Latin American nations signals a commitment to global engagement. For travelers, this is an invitation to explore one of the world’s most culturally vibrant nations, hassle-free.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous getaway, a business trip, or a family reunion, now is the ideal time to consider China for your next adventure.