China is making substantial moves to strengthen cross – border travel and international cooperation by broadening its visa – free policy. This initiative reflects China’s dedication to openness and its aspiration to enhance commercial and cultural exchanges with the world.
Visa – Free Access for GCC Countries
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced at the ASEAN – China – GCC Summit that starting from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be allowed visa – free entry into China for up to 30 days. With this new policy, China now extends visa – free treatment to all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This trial policy is designed to promote cross – border travel and draw more countries into China’s visa waiver program. Ordinary passport holders from these four GCC countries can enter China for various purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit without a visa, as long as their stay does not exceed 30 days.
It’s worth noting that the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, also GCC member states, have had comprehensive mutual visa exemption with China since 2018. Mao Ning expressed China’s warm welcome to more friends from GCC countries to visit China at any time, underlining China’s open attitude towards building international connections.
Expansion to Latin American and Caribbean Countries
This expansion of the visa – free policy is not limited to the GCC countries. At the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China – CELAC Forum on May 13 in Beijing, Lin Jian, another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, announced that China will extend its visa – free policy to five Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries—Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—on a trial basis from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.
Lin Jian emphasized that these steps are part of China’s overarching goal of high – level opening up. The aim is to make travel between China and other countries more convenient. “China remains firmly committed to high – level opening up and will take further measures to simplify travel procedures. We cordially invite more foreign friends to take advantage of China’s visa – free and other visa facilitation policies, come to China, and experience its rich diversity, vibrancy, and dynamic culture,” Lin said.
These policy expansions are anticipated to have a profound impact. They are likely to significantly increase international tourism, foster more business interactions, and promote cultural exchanges. As a result, China will further solidify its position as a global hub for international engagement, attracting people from all over the world and strengthening its ties with the international community.
