China visa-free for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain ends 31 December 2026
Checked
Changed 2 times since , see changes.
Short answer
Ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain can enter China visa-free until 31 December 2026, 24:00, for up to 30 days per entry.
As of 9 November 2026 no extension has been announced. For trips in 2027, book with free cancellation or apply for a visa.
| Fact | Value | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf four: last entry dateSA, OM, KW, BH ordinary passports | 31 December 2026, 24:00 | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Gulf four: visa-free sinceSA, OM, KW, BH ordinary passports | 9 June 2025 | Shanghai Government (English) | |
| Gulf four: maximum staySA, OM, KW, BH ordinary passports | 30 days | Shanghai Government (English) | |
| Permitted purposesvisa-free entrants | business, tourism, visiting family, exchanges, transit | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Extension past 31 Dec 2026all | None announced as of 9 November 2026 | Lotso TravelSecondary source | |
| UAE: mutual visa exemptionUAE ordinary passports | In force since 16 January 2018 | China BriefingSecondary source | |
| Qatar: mutual visa exemptionQatar ordinary passports | In force since 21 December 2018 | China BriefingSecondary source | |
| 240-hour transit: eligible countrieseligible nationalities (incl. US, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Qatar) | 57 countries | Beijing Government (English) | |
| Where to fill in the arrival cardarrivals | website, NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini program, QR | Shanghai Government (English) |
Can I still travel visa-free if I enter before 31 December 2026?
Yes. Entries up to 24:00 on 31 December 2026 are covered, for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit.
My trip is in 2027: what should I do now?
Book refundable, check 240-hour transit if you fly on to a third country (check that your nationality is on the list of 57 countries), or apply for a visa if you can't take the risk.
Are the UAE and Qatar affected?
No. They have separate mutual exemptions: UAE In force since 16 January 2018, Qatar In force since 21 December 2018. Confirm the stay length with the embassy.
I am going to the Canton Fair in spring 2027: do I need a visa?
If the policy is not extended, yes. The organiser has set the spring 2027 session for 15 April to 5 May 2027, after the current policy ends. See the Canton Fair page.
What changed recently
Questions people ask
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for China?
Not for stays up to 30 days if they enter before 31 December 2026, 24:00.
Is the Gulf visa-free policy extended to 2027?
Not as of 9 November 2026.
Sources
- Notice on the Extension of the Unilateral Visa-Free Policy, Chinese Embassy in the UAE, retrieved
- China implements visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Shanghai Government (English), retrieved
- China visa-free 2027 and eSIM guide, Lotso Travel, retrieved
- China Visa-Free Travel - A Complete Guide, China Briefing, retrieved
- China Adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour Visa-free Transit Program, Beijing Government (English), retrieved
- China launches online arrival card for intl travelers, Shanghai Government (English), retrieved
- 140th Canton Fair Closes with Record Overseas Buyer Attendance, Canton Fair organiser (via PR Newswire), retrieved