Passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days per trip — but only until 31 December 2026. The policy covers tourism, business, family visits and transit for ordinary passport holders, and the 30-day clock starts at midnight on the day after you arrive. Residents of the Gulf who hold other nationalities are generally not covered and still need a visa.
Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Quick Answer: Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per trip until 31 December 2026. The 30-day clock starts at midnight the day after arrival. Gulf expat residents holding other nationalities are NOT covered.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi, Kuwaiti, Omani and Bahraini ordinary-passport holders: 30 days visa-free per entry until 31 Dec 2026.
- Day 1 is the day AFTER arrival — your arrival day doesn’t count toward the 30.
- Expat residents are NOT covered — eligibility is by nationality, not residence.
- Allowed: tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, transit. Not allowed: work, study, journalism.
- Carry proof of purpose anyway — return ticket, hotel bookings, invitation letter.
In This Guide
Who is visa-free for China
China’s unilateral visa-free policy applies to citizens of 45 countries, and among the Gulf states it covers Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Holders of ordinary passports may enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days per entry until 31 December 2026.
Not covered by visa-free entry and applying for a visa instead? The Visaora Intelligence Suite checks your file for risk factors and missing documents: $12 per scan, or all 5 scans for $24. It is software, not legal advice, and no tool can guarantee a visa.
UAE and Qatar: covered by separate bilateral agreements. Ordinary passports only.
How the 30 days are counted
The 30-day stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after you arrive — your arrival day does not consume one of the 30 days.
No cap on entries. No 90-in-180 accumulation. Overstaying is an immigration violation.
Allowed purposes
Covers: tourism, business, visiting family/friends, exchanges, transit. Does NOT cover: work, study, journalism.
Expat residents: when you still need a visa
Eligibility is based on nationality, not residence. A Gulf iqama does not qualify you.
Documents to carry anyway
Carry: passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, hotel bookings/invitation letter, travel insurance, proof of funds.
Disclaimer: Visaora is software and does not provide legal advice. Visa rules change — check the Chinese embassy or CVASC website before you travel.
CTA: Use the free Document Checklist Generator before booking.
How many days can Saudi citizens stay in China without a visa in 2026?
Up to 30 days per entry, counted from midnight on the day after arrival. There is no limit on the number of separate trips before the policy expires on 31 December 2026. Longer stays, work or study require a visa.
Is China visa-free for Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain too?
Yes. Citizens of Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain holding ordinary passports are included in the same policy: up to 30 days per entry for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit, valid until 31 December 2026. The UAE and Qatar are covered by separate bilateral agreements.
Do expats living in Saudi Arabia or the UAE get China visa-free entry?
No — eligibility is based on nationality, not residence. A Gulf residence permit or iqama does not qualify you. Check whether your own passport’s country is on China’s 45-country visa-free list; if not, apply for a Chinese visa at the CVASC in your country of residence.
What purposes are allowed under China’s 30-day visa-free policy?
Tourism, business, visiting family or friends, cultural and educational exchanges, and transit. Work, study and journalism are not covered. Carry documents proving your purpose — hotel bookings, invitation letters, return tickets — as border officers may ask.
What happens if the policy is not extended after 31 December 2026?
Travellers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain would need to apply for Chinese visas again, as before June 2025. China has not confirmed an extension. Check the Chinese embassy or CVASC website in December 2026 before booking 2027 travel.
Do children need anything different for visa-free entry to China?
Children holding eligible passports are covered under the same 30-day rule. Each child needs their own passport. Carry the child’s birth certificate if surnames differ from the accompanying parent, in case of questions at immigration.
Can I work remotely from China during a visa-free stay?
The policy covers tourism and business visits, not employment. Doing paid work for a Chinese employer is not permitted. If you plan to work while in China, get proper immigration advice and the correct visa category — do not rely on the visa-free entry.
✈️ Planning Your Trip?
We may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Learn more