RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed China’s decision to exempt Saudi citizens from entry visa requirements, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral ties.
The decision will be effective from June 9, 2025, until June 8, 2026.
“This step will contribute to encouraging mutual visits and deepening the bonds of friendship between the two countries,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
The Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia appreciates the announcement by the People’s Republic of China regarding the exemption of Saudi citizens from entry visa requirements, effective from June 9, 2025, until June 8, 2026. This step will contribute to encouraging mutual visits and… pic.twitter.com/b6CTYHTeZK
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 29, 2025
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press briefing on Wednesday said the new policy begins on June 9, 2025, and will last until June 8, 2026.
Passport holders from the four nations will be allowed to travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges, and transit, Mao said.
China now grants visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, having implemented reciprocal policies with the UAE and Qatar since 2018.
“We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China,” Mao said.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had held Approved Destination Status for China, which came into effect on July 1, 2024. The announcement is the latest step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to attract 5 million Chinese tourists annually by the end of the decade.
