BEIJING (Xinhua) -- China will test a policy to allow ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain visa-free entry into China for up to 30 days from June 9, 2025 to June 8, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Wednesday.
At the daily press briefing, Mao elaborated on China's recent announcement of a unilateral trial visa-free policy for the four Gulf countries. Nationals of the four countries who travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits or transit for up to 30 days will not need to obtain a visa to enter the country, Mao said. "With the United Arab Emirates and Qatar having implemented a reciprocal visa-free policy with China since 2018, China now provides visa-free travel to all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. We welcome more friends from GCC countries to make impromptu trips to China," Mao said.
China's visa-free policy is increasingly opening its doors to a wider range of foreign travellers, facilitating access and, most importantly, strengthening global ties. European citizens in particular, including those in the Czech Republic, are benefiting from this move, as they can now experience the rich culture and business opportunities offered by the world's second largest economy without having to obtain a visa in advance.
Visa-free entry within 30 days
Holders of ordinary passports from the following countries can already enter China for a 30-day visa-free stay until 31 December. Albania, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Georgia, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Singapore and Armenia. In addition, for the countries of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and Uzbekistan, this will apply from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. Under this scheme, they can stay up to 30 days per visit, providing ample time for tourism, family visits or attending cultural events.
Hainan Special Region
A unique aspect of this policy is the provision that allows citizens from 59 countries to visit Hainan Province without a visa for up to 30 days, specifically the countries of Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco and Belarus. This initiative is part of China's strategy to transform Hainan into a major international tourism and trade hub.
Visa-free transit for 240 hours
China also offers a 24-hour visa-free transit option valid at all border crossings for travellers passing through to third countries until 31 December 2025, increasing the country's connectivity and attractiveness as a global travel hub.
On arrival at a total of 60 airports, citizens from 25 Schengen countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, can have visa-free transit entry for 240 hours; 15 other countries in Europe, namely Russia, the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus; also for six countries in the Americas, namely the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile; for two countries in Oceania, namely Australia and New Zealand; and for six countries in Asia, namely South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
If the following conditions are met:
A) Have a valid passport or other international travel document that is valid for more than three months from the date of arrival
B) Have a connecting ticket/ticket with confirmed departure date and seat number confirming departure/departure from China to a third country or region within 240 hours (transfer to a country other than the country of departure)
C) Confirmation of accommodation in China in case of a longer stay
D) Fill out the Arrival card for foreigners in transit, which is to be completed on arrival in China
For Czech citizens, this policy represents a significant shift, as it allows easier access to China for leisure and cultural exploration. Whether visiting major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, or exploring the natural beauty of less-visited provinces, the visa-free policy simplifies logistics and shortens the preparation time for travel.
Overall, China's expanding visa-free policy underlines its commitment to strengthening international relations and making the country more accessible to travellers from around the world. The move is expected to boost tourism and economic exchanges, which is particularly beneficial for Europeans seeking to deepen their contacts with this dynamic region.
gnews.cz - GH
Sources:
https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-visa-free-travel-policies-complete-guide/
https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c180637/content.html
https://www.roedl.com/insights/china-visa-free-entry-current-regulations
https://mzv.gov.cz/beijing/cz/obchod_a_ekonomika/aktuality/prodlouzeni_bezvizoveho_tranzitniho.html
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