Starting June 9, China has implemented a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, marking full visa-free coverage for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This initiative, valid until June 8, 2026, allows visitors from these nations to stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit, joining the existing visa-free arrangements with the UAE and Qatar since 2018.
A Symbol of China’s Opening-Up Commitment
“The expanding visa-free list demonstrates China’s firm resolve to advance high-level opening-up,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to optimize entry policies and broaden visa-free coverage. This aims to attract more international visitors to experience China’s diverse consumer markets and premium services, fostering shared prosperity through deeper cooperation.
Rapid Expansion of Visa-Free “Circle of Friends”
China’s unilateral visa-free policy saw a significant breakthrough in early June when it first extended to Latin America and the Caribbean, including Brazil and Argentina. The inclusion of the four Gulf states brings the total number of eligible countries to 47, reflecting both China’s growing global influence and deepening international collaboration.
“Each expansion of the visa-free network is a microcosm of China’s opening-up and a testament to strengthened global partnerships, supported by its unwavering commitment and growing capabilities,” noted Chen Yuheng, a senior investment advisor at Jufeng Investment Consulting.
Zhan Junhao, a partner at Fuzhou Gongsunce Public Relations, highlighted the policy’s dual benefits: “Simplifying visa procedures facilitates business negotiations and boosts tourism consumption, invigorating sectors like catering, hospitality, and transportation.”
Catalyzing Inbound Tourism Growth
With visa-free policies and streamlined customs procedures, inbound tourism has surged. In 2024, 3.391 million foreigners entered China under unilateral visa-free rules, a 1,200.6% year-on-year increase. During the 2025 “Labor Day” holiday, 380,000 visitors arrived via visa-free channels, up 72.7% from the previous year.
China is now prioritizing emerging markets in Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The 2024 China Inbound Tourism Development Report identified these regions as high-potential sources. Travel agencies report a rise in tourists from Hungary, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Central Asian countries, with plans to expand services in these markets.
Diversifying Tourism Offerings for Global Visitors
In response to evolving demands, the tourism industry is adapting:
Market Diversification: Outbound-focused agencies like Yuanhai International and UTS Travel are pivoting to inbound tourism, leveraging their global networks.
Customized Experiences: Traditional tour operators are developing themed itineraries—such as intangible cultural heritage tours and cross-border routes—to cater to niche preferences.
Fragmented Products: Short-duration tours (e.g., half-day or one-day trips) are being introduced to accommodate independent travelers.
“Future trends will include a shift from East Asian to global source markets, coexistence of premium and budget products, and tech-driven experience upgrades,” predicted Chen Liteng, a digital lifestyle analyst at the NetEase Economy and Society Research Center.
Enhancing Inbound Tourism Ecosystem
Experts advocate multi-pronged strategies:
Policy: Extend visa-free durations and expand city coverage.
Industry: Integrate cultural tourism with other sectors (e.g., technology, sports) to create unique offerings.
Service: Strengthen multilingual services, establish visitor protection mechanisms, and leverage social media for global branding.
With measures like 240-hour transit visa-free policies, “tax-free shopping upon purchase,” and mobile payment accessibility, China aims to transform into a high-quality inbound tourism destination, driving industrial chain growth through enhanced mobility and engagement.
As visa-free policies an supporting measures continue to evolve, China’s appeal as a travel and consumption hub is set to rise, solidifying its role in global economic and cultural exchange.
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