Travel to China Made Easy for Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis, and Omanis
BEIJING, June 9: China has officially launched a one-year trial visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, marking a significant expansion of its visa-free access to Gulf countries.
Effective from June 9, 2025, through June 8, 2026, citizens of these four Gulf nations can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The visa exemption applies to travel for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.
The move adds to China's growing list of unilateral visa-free arrangements, which already includes the United Arab Emirates and Qatar under reciprocal agreements signed in 2018. With this new policy, China now offers visa-free entry to all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the policy during a press conference on May 28, stating, 'We welcome more friends from GCC countries to visit China anytime.'
The initiative is part of China's broader effort to deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with the Gulf region and promote people-to-people exchanges.
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Arab Times
6 hours ago
- Arab Times
GCC unveils major visa reforms in 2025 to enhance travel, tourism, and economic integration
DUBAI, UAE, June 21: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, has long been recognized as a key economic bloc with forward-thinking policies that attract international visitors and enhance regional connectivity. In 2025, the GCC is witnessing a transformative shift in its travel and tourism sector through a series of groundbreaking visa reforms aimed at simplifying entry procedures, increasing tourism flows, and promoting greater regional integration. The visa reforms introduced across GCC member states this year include unified tourist permits and streamlined visa processes for expatriates and tourists alike. These measures are poised to redefine the travel experience across the Gulf, benefiting both visitors and the local economies of member nations. Unified GCC tourist visa introduced: A landmark reform Among the most significant developments of 2025 is the launch of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa. This revolutionary policy enables travelers to visit all six GCC countries using a single permit—mirroring the Schengen visa system in Europe. In the past, tourists needed to apply for individual visas for each GCC nation, a process often seen as cumbersome and costly. The new unified visa facilitates smooth cross-border travel, encouraging tourism and closer cooperation between member states. It is expected to stimulate both leisure and business travel throughout the Gulf. Key features: Single Visa for All Six GCC Nations: Tourists can now access the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait using a unified visa.n Stronger Regional Connectivity: The visa eases movement between member states, increasing the Gulf's attractiveness to global travelers.n Simplified Digital Process: Available online, the application process is user-friendly and efficient.n This development marks a milestone for regional tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the entire Gulf on a single trip. UAE: Expanding access through innovative reforms As a longstanding leader in tourism and travel innovation, the United Arab Emirates is playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the new visa policies. The country's adoption of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa is part of a broader initiative to make international travel more seamless. Additional UAE visa updates: Entry Visas for GCC Residents: Expatriates residing in other GCC countries can now apply for UAE entry visas independently, without needing a local sponsor. Required documentation includes proof of residence, a valid passport, and supporting materials.n Multiple-Entry eVisas for Expats: A newly introduced eVisa allows expatriates in the GCC to enter the UAE multiple times over the span of a year without having to reapply.n These updates are designed to strengthen the UAE's position as one of the top destinations in the region for both tourists and business travelers. Saudi Arabia: Reforms cater to business and religious tourism Saudi Arabia has also rolled out major changes in 2025 to attract both religious pilgrims and business travelers. The nation's visa policies now provide greater flexibility and oversight for visitors from across the region. Key Saudi reforms: Multiple-Entry eVisa for GCC Expats: Expatriates residing in other GCC nations can now apply for a visa that allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, easing travel for business and family visits.n Mandatory Hotel Bookings for Umrah Visa Applicants: Pilgrims must now present confirmed accommodations via official platforms when applying for an Umrah visa. This step is aimed at improving logistical planning and avoiding peak-season overbookings.n These steps are expected to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide while boosting the kingdom's appeal for other forms of tourism. Oman: Welcoming the world with visa-free entry In a bold move, Oman has expanded its visa-free entry policy in 2025, granting citizens of 103 countries—including most of Europe—14 days of visa-free access. Policy Highlights: 14-Day Visa-Free Stay: Citizens from eligible countries can enter Oman without a visa for up to two weeks, enabling more spontaneous and short-term travel.n Tourism Promotion Strategy: This initiative forms part of Oman's broader plan to grow its tourism infrastructure and diversify its economy.n Oman's relaxed visa rules are expected to attract a new wave of international travelers, particularly those seeking short getaways in the Middle East. Qatar: Enhancing regional travel through unified visa Qatar has joined the GCC-wide visa initiative in 2025, granting tourists access to the full range of Gulf countries under the new unified visa system. Qatar's visa enhancements include: Adoption of Unified GCC Tourist Visa: Tourists can now include Qatar in their Gulf travel itinerary with a single entry permit.n Promotion of Local Attractions: Qatar anticipates a rise in tourism thanks to easier access to its museums, luxury resorts, and natural beauty.n As part of its national vision, Qatar aims to make itself more appealing to cultural, adventure, and high-end tourism markets. Bahrain: Supporting seamless Gulf travel Bahrain has embraced the Unified GCC Tourist Visa alongside its regional partners, offering easier travel across borders and helping to unify the Gulf as a tourism hub. Visa Policy Updates: Unified GCC Access: Bahrain is now fully integrated into the regional visa system.n Support for Business and Leisure Travel: The new framework supports Bahrain's ambition to become a nexus for commerce and culture in the Gulf.n With its mix of historic charm and modern appeal, Bahrain stands to benefit significantly from the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals. Kuwait: Streamlining the work permit system Unlike its neighbors' focus on tourism, Kuwait has introduced a major update to its work visa policy in 2025, affecting expatriates across all sectors. Details of the reform: Standardized Work Permit Fees: Kuwait now imposes a unified fee of KD150 for all work permit transfers, abolishing previous exemptions that led to inconsistencies.n Implications for Employers and Workers: This policy is intended to simplify administrative processes and enhance oversight across the labor market.n Though the change may pose initial challenges for some workers, it represents a strategic effort to bring more uniformity and efficiency to Kuwait's employment system. Toward a new era of GCC travel Collectively, the visa reforms enacted across the GCC in 2025 signify a strong commitment to regional cooperation and economic diversification through tourism. From the unprecedented rollout of a unified tourist visa to improvements in entry procedures for expatriates, these changes are designed to support sustainable growth and global accessibility. GCC member states are positioning themselves as major players in the international travel industry by: Offering simplified, digital visa processes.n Promoting multi-country tourism packages.n Facilitating religious, business, and leisure travel.n For prospective travelers, staying informed about each country's specific visa requirements remains essential. However, the new visa landscape opens a wide array of opportunities for global tourists, expatriates, and regional stakeholders alike. With the Gulf now more connected and accessible than ever, 2025 marks a pivotal year in redefining how the world experiences travel in the Middle East.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
VisitBritain promotes UK diverse summer tourism beyond London - Faten Omar,
162,000 Kuwaitis visited UK in 2024, a 6 percent increase from 2023 KUWAIT: In collaboration with the British Embassy in Kuwait, Britain's national tourism agency, VisitBritain, organized a special afternoon tea event on Tuesday aimed at promoting the UK's diverse summer tourism experiences beyond London. During her opening remarks, British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis emphasized the importance of strengthening the close ties between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, noting the growing interest among Kuwaiti travelers in exploring the UK's home nations. Ambassador Lewis added that Kuwaitis made 162,000 visits to the UK in 2024, a 6 percent increase from 2023 — with an average spend of £2,641 per person. The Gulf region ranks as the UK's tenth-largest inbound market, and Kuwait is projected to have the third-highest visitor spend among GCC countries in 2025. The ambassador highlighted the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme as a major driver of this growth, explaining that Kuwaitis made 148,854 applications between February 2024 and March 2025 - the second highest in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia. British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis speaks at the event. Mirna Tamimi, Visit Britain's GCC Communications Manager speaks about the campaign. She also emphasized the Embassy's support for initiatives that showcase the UK's rich and diverse experiences, saying, 'We are delighted to welcome VisitBritain and media partners to the British Embassy today. As the long-standing bonds between the UK and Kuwait continue to strengthen, I am glad to see ever more Kuwaiti travelers choosing to visit the UK.' The event introduced VisitBritain's latest global campaign, Starring GREAT Britain, which taps into the rising trend of 'set-jetting' - visiting locations featured in popular films and TV series. The campaign invites travelers to discover iconic filming sites across England, Scotland and Wales. For her part, Mirna Tamimi, VisitBritain's GCC Communications Manager, showcased major events taking place this summer, including world-class sporting moments such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Wimbledon tennis tournament; Bath's festivities marking 250 years since the birth of renowned author Jane Austen; and the Liverpool Biennial, the UK's largest contemporary art festival. She also emphasized the ease of travel both to and within the UK, with 18 direct flights per week from Kuwait City to London and Manchester, and over 2,500 train stations connecting Britain's towns and cities. In his turn, Gary Robson, VisitBritain Director for Europe, Middle East & India, emphasized the importance of the Kuwaiti market, stating, 'Our collaboration with the British Embassy Kuwait helps us deepen ties in this key GCC region. We are working closely with local influencers and travel trade partners to inspire travel beyond London.' He added, 'Our culturally relevant campaigns, delivered in English and Arabic, are tailored to resonate locally through popular platforms such as Snapchat, which plays a key role in our engagement strategy across Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.'
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Vietnam cracks down on fake goods as US tariffs loom
HANOI: Since the United States accused Vietnam of being a hub for counterfeit goods, Tran Le Chi has found it increasingly hard to track down her favorite fake Chanel T-shirts, Gucci sunglasses and Louis Vuitton handbags. As Vietnam's government tries to head off President Donald Trump's threatened 46 percent tariff, it has launched a crackdown on fake products - in part to show responsiveness to US concerns. Now there are streets filled with shuttered shops in Hanoi and rows of closed stalls at Saigon Square shopping mall, a major clothing market in Ho Chi Minh City - the kind of places Chi used to go to buy her latest gear. 'The clothes help me look trendy,' Chi told AFP. 'Why would I care if they are fake or not?' Chi - a betting agent for an illegal game known as lo-de, where punters predict the last two lotto numbers of the standard daily draw - said she had never paid more than $40 per 'designer' item. 'Only the super-rich people can afford the real ones,' she added. 'They're not for people like us.' Communist-run Vietnam is a manufacturing powerhouse that produces clothing and footwear for international brands, with the United States its number-one export market in the first five months of 2025. But it also has a thriving market for counterfeit goods. In a report published by the US Trade Representative in January, Saigon Square shopping mall was flagged as a major market for the sale of fake luxury items including handbags, wallets, jewelry and watches. The report noted government efforts to stamp out the trade, but said 'low penalties have had little deterrent effect' and 'counterfeit products remain rampant'. Shop owner Hoa, a pseudonym to protect her identity, said almost all of the fake Nike, Lacoste and North Face products she sells in her shop in Hanoi's old quarter are from China - but tagged with a 'Made in Vietnam' label to make them seem authentic. She insists that all her customers know what they're getting. 'My clients are those who cannot afford authentic products,' Hoa said. 'I've never cheated anyone.' Rolex watches, Marshall speakers Hanoi and Washington are in the thick of trade talks, with Vietnam doing everything it can to avoid the crushing 46 percent tariff that could come into force in early July. Vietnam's trade ministry ordered authorities in April to tighten control over the origin of goods after the Trump administration accused the country of facilitating Chinese exports to the United States and allowing Beijing to get around tariffs. The public security ministry also said there would be a three-month-long crackdown - until mid-August - on counterfeit goods. Nguyen Thanh Nam, deputy head of the agency for domestic market surveillance and development, said last week that in the first five months of the year, more than 7,000 cases of counterfeit products worth more than $8 million had been discovered. He added that 1,000 fake Rolex watches had been seized from Saigon Square shopping mall. Mounds of vitamins, cosmetics and sweets - seemingly also counterfeits - have appeared at waste grounds outside cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, while fake electronics including Marshall speakers and smartwatches have been confiscated. Police have not specified the origin of the goods, but Vietnam was Southeast Asia's biggest buyer of Chinese products in 2024, with a bill of $161.9 billion. Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, said that although there were other aims of the drive, including improving Vietnam's business environment and formalizing the retail sector, 'the campaign plays a role in Vietnam's strategy to appease the US'. 'The effort partly reflects Vietnam's intent to show responsiveness to US concerns,' he said. But for Hoa, her livelihood is on the line. Her shop has been closed for almost two weeks and she has no idea how to restart the business. 'I have sold these sorts of clothes for a decade and experienced no problem at all. Now they crack down on us, it's hard to figure out how I continue,' she said.- AFP
