China Visa-Free Entry Expires This Year for Saudi, Omani, Kuwaiti and Bahraini Citizens — Book Before December 2026

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, but only until 31 December 2026.

China has not confirmed whether the policy will be extended, so if you’ve been eyeing Beijing, Shanghai or the Great Wall, now is the time to book.

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Who Is Eligible and What Does the Policy Cover?

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain holding ordinary passports qualify

You can enter China visa-free for any of the following purposes:

Tourism and sightseeing
Business meetings and trade events
Visiting family or friends
Cultural and educational exchanges
Transit (connecting through China to a third country)

Your stay must not exceed 30 consecutive days, counted from 00:00 on the day after you arrive.

There is no limit on the number of entries; you can visit multiple times before the policy expires.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, accumulate more than 90 days within any 180-day period, or engage in employment, study or journalism, you will need to apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy.

How to Enter China Under the Visa-Free Policy

Just show up at any Chinese port of entry with the right documents.

Here is what you need:

A valid ordinary passport — it must remain valid for the duration of your stay
A completed China Digital Arrival Card — fill it in online up to 72 hours before arrival at the NIA’s official portal, or complete it on arrival using your phone or a kiosk at the airport
A return or onward ticket — immigration officers may ask to see proof of your departure plans
Hotel confirmation or host contact details — have your accommodation booking or your host’s address ready

The Digital Arrival Card takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. Upload a photo of your passport’s data page, verify your details, add your itinerary, and save the QR code you receive. The form is available in English, French, Japanese and Korean.

Watch out for scam websites charging “processing fees”, as the official arrival card service is completely free. Only use the NIA website or the “NIA 12367” mini program on WeChat or Alipay.

When to Go: The Best Months Before the Deadline

September through November is the sweet spot: cool, dry weather across most of China, autumn foliage and thinner crowds compared to the summer peak. If you can only pick one month, mid-to-late October offers the best balance of weather and scenery.

Avoid the National Day Golden Week (1–8 October 2026), an extended 8-day holiday this year because Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 5 October and merges with the National Day break. Domestic tourism peaks and attractions are packed during this period.

Summer (June–August) works well for northern destinations like Beijing and the Silk Road, though southern China gets heavy rain.

For Gulf travellers accustomed to extreme heat, China’s summer temperatures of 30–35°C will feel mild, but the humidity in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou takes getting used to.

Practical Tips for Gulf Travellers in China

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you land. China runs almost entirely on mobile payments, from street food stalls to five-star hotels.

You can link your Visa or Mastercard to both apps, though verification can take 24–72 hours, so do this well before your trip.

Carry some cash (RMB) as a backup. International credit cards work at high-end hotels and major tourist spots, but many smaller shops and taxis only accept mobile payment or cash.

A few more things worth knowing:

VPN: WhatsApp, Instagram and Google services are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before departure if you need access to these apps
SIM card: Grab a tourist SIM at the airport for data and local calls — you’ll need a working Chinese phone number for most apps
Language: English signage is good in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou but limited elsewhere. Download an offline translation app
Halal food: Major cities have halal restaurants, especially in areas with Hui Muslim communities. Beijing’s Niujie district and Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter are well known for halal dining
Health insurance: Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Hospital visits without insurance can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter China multiple times under the visa-free policy?

Yes, there is no limit on the number of entries. You can visit China as many times as you like before 31 December 2026, as long as each stay does not exceed 30 days.

Do I need to apply or register before travelling to China?

No prior application is needed. Simply fill in the free China Digital Arrival Card up to 72 hours before your flight and present your passport at immigration.

What happens if I want to stay longer than 30 days?

You will need to apply for a Chinese visa through the embassy or consulate. The visa-free policy strictly covers stays of 30 days or fewer; overstaying can result in fines and entry bans.

Will China extend the visa-free policy beyond December 2026?

There is no official confirmation yet. China has progressively expanded the programme — from 38 countries in late 2024 to 79 today — so an extension is plausible, but travellers should plan around the current 31 December 2026 deadline.

Can I work in China under the visa-free entry?

No — employment is strictly prohibited. The visa-free policy covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, exchanges and transit only. Working without a proper visa can lead to fines, deportation and reentry bans.

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Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.