Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain Granted Visa Free Travel to China Starting June 9 – Travel And Tour World

Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are about to make travel history. From June 9, their citizens will enjoy visa-free travel to China—a move that’s already shaking up the region’s tourism and business landscape. This isn’t just a policy change. It’s a powerful invitation. And it’s coming straight from one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Now, with the new visa-free travel window wide open, people from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain can pack their bags and head to China with no red tape in the way. No appointments. No long waits. Just freedom to explore, connect, and experience.

But why now? And why these four nations?

This decision marks a pivotal moment. It strengthens ties, fuels curiosity, and hints at a much larger plan unfolding in Asia. Something bigger is coming—and June 9 is only the beginning. Ready to discover what lies ahead? Keep reading.

China Welcomes the World: Visa-Free Entry for Gulf and South America to Ignite Global Tourism Surge

In a move that is poised to reshape the global travel map, China is launching visa-free entry for citizens of key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and major South American nations beginning June 9, 2025. This bold shift reflects China’s ambition to lead a new era of international openness, enhance bilateral cooperation, and supercharge global tourism.

The visa-free policy includes Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, with the exemption valid through June 8, 2026. This follows the existing agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, meaning that as of this summer, all six GCC countries will enjoy visa-free access to China.

Gulf Nations Gain Full Visa-Free Access

For the first time, GCC travelers can enter China without a visa, making travel more spontaneous and removing long-standing bureaucratic hurdles. Whether it’s for tourism, trade, medical treatment, or education, travelers from Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia can now explore China without planning months in advance.

This policy opens up endless possibilities. Families can travel for leisure. Executives can book last-minute business trips. Cultural delegations can engage in real-time without logistical complications. And above all, it symbolizes a powerful deepening of trust between China and the Arab world.

With thriving air links and growing economic ties, the timing could not be better.

A New Chapter for South America

China is also expanding visa-free travel to five dynamic nations in South America, starting June 1, 2025. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will all benefit from this unprecedented move, allowing short-term stays in China without the burden of visa applications.

This decision will energize trade missions, educational exchanges, and leisure tourism, bringing the two continents closer. China, already a key trading partner for many of these countries, is now making it easier for South American professionals, students, and tourists to engage directly with Chinese markets and culture.

The inclusion of these five countries also positions China as a gateway for emerging market alliances, strengthening its leadership in South-South cooperation and global connectivity.

What This Means for Airlines and Travel Providers

This is not just a diplomatic shift—it’s a game-changer for the global travel and tourism industry.

Airlines operating long-haul flights between China and the GCC or South America will likely see a rise in bookings. Carriers like China Southern, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and LATAM Airlines are expected to increase frequencies or add new routes to accommodate this new wave of demand.

Meanwhile, hotel chains, tour operators, and retail outlets in China’s major cities—from Shanghai to Guangzhou—are preparing for an influx of international visitors with distinct preferences and high spending potential.

For tourism boards, this is a golden opportunity to promote curated travel experiences that cater to these markets—luxury shopping for GCC travelers, cultural itineraries for Brazilian tourists, or wellness retreats for Peruvian guests.

The Economic Boost is Already Visible

The tourism recovery in China has been gaining traction since 2024. In that year alone, the country welcomed over nine million foreign visitors, marking a 40% increase year-over-year. And that momentum isn’t slowing down.

In just the first four months of 2025, over 18,000 international companies were established in China—up 12.1% compared to the same period last year. That’s not just growth; that’s acceleration.

With visa-free travel now added to the mix, the stage is set for a dramatic spike in international foot traffic, hotel stays, and cross-border commerce.

This initiative not only enhances inbound tourism, but it also drives confidence in China’s openness and long-term vision for global cooperation.

Human Impact: From Business to Personal Travel

The power of this visa-free rollout extends far beyond policy documents. For families planning reunions, students eyeing study-abroad opportunities, and professionals seeking investment, this simplifies everything.

Travel becomes less about paperwork and more about purpose.

For GCC families, this could mean a seamless luxury vacation in Beijing or a heritage tour across Xi’an. For South American entrepreneurs, it might mean a last-minute opportunity to attend trade expos or negotiate face-to-face deals in Shenzhen.

China is making it easier for people to connect, learn, explore, and build partnerships that matter.

Strategic Momentum: China’s Soft Power in Action

This isn’t an isolated act of goodwill. It’s part of China’s larger strategy to enhance soft power, improve diplomatic agility, and grow its global footprint.

Opening its borders to a select group of emerging economies shows trust. It’s a recognition of shared growth trajectories. And it’s a signal that China is serious about creating a more connected, multipolar world.

In a time when many countries are tightening immigration controls, China’s expansion of visa-free policies stands out as both generous and strategic.

It paves the way for reciprocal travel agreements and puts pressure on other major destinations to rethink their own visa processes.

What’s Next?

More countries are expected to be added to China’s visa-free list in the near future. As the government tests these policies and monitors their success, the model may be expanded to include additional nations in Africa, Central Asia, or Eastern Europe.

For now, however, the focus remains on delivering a seamless experience for travelers from the GCC and South America. The infrastructure is in place. The intent is clear. And the impact is already being felt.

Tourism professionals, policy analysts, and investors would do well to monitor this closely. The world’s travel dynamics are being redrawn—and China is leading with open arms.

Final Thoughts: Travel Without Barriers

The visa-free travel policy taking effect in June 2025 represents a turning point in global mobility. China is shifting from cautious reopening to bold hospitality. And the message is unmistakable.

Come to China. No visa required. Just opportunity.

As millions prepare to take advantage of this new freedom, airlines will soar, hotels will fill, and conversations—both personal and professional—will spark new beginnings.

This is more than travel. This is transformation.

Source:  VisaGuide.World