Nationals of 5 More Countries Granted Visa-free Entry

Macao SAR of China has announced visa-free entry for nationals of five Gulf countries. This policy enables citizens from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman to enter Macao without a visa or pre-entry permit starting July 16, 2025.

In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll explain that this development not only aligns with China’s recent visa liberalization efforts but also strengthens ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, reflecting China’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with key Middle Eastern partners.

History of China-Gulf Ties

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance formed in 1981, comprising the following six member states:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

These countries share geographic proximity, cultural ties, and significant economic interests, particularly in energy exports. The GCC plays a crucial role in global oil markets and is actively pursuing economic diversification to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.

China’s relationship with the Gulf states has grown substantially over the past decade, driven by mutual economic interests. China is among the leading crude oil importers in the world, with the GCC supplying a significant portion of its energy needs.

Bilateral trade between China and the Middle East and North Africa region reached USD $505 billion in 2022, a remarkable 76% increase over the past ten years. This growing partnership encompasses energy, finance, technology, infrastructure, and cultural exchange between the two regions.

Key Developments in China-Gulf Relations

On June 16, 2025, Macao SAR officially published an executive order signed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, granting visa-free entry to citizens of five Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

The directive takes effect 30 days after publication. Starting July 16, 2025, visitors from these nations will no longer require visas or pre-arrival permits to enter Macao.

This policy follows a similar move by China, which on June 9, 2025 launched a unilateral trial visa-free entry program for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Qatar has enjoyed mutual visa exemption with China since 2018.

With Macao’s new policy, citizens of all GCC countries now enjoy visa-free access to both China and Macao SAR of China, marking a milestone in China-Gulf relations.

Alignment with Mainland Policies

Macao’s visa-free entry policy reflects China’s recent initiatives, indicating a shared desire to ease travel restrictions for Gulf nationals.

This alignment signals a common front in China’s efforts to attract visitors and investors from the Gulf region and facilitate people-to-people exchanges. China’s trial program allows visa-free visits of up to 30 days for:

• Tourism
• Business
• Family visits
• Cultural exchanges
• Transit purposes

Impact on China-Gulf Relations

The visa-free policy is expected to stimulate tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between China and the Gulf states. Experts highlight that beyond tourism, the policy will foster deeper collaboration in financial services and technological innovation.

Sovereign wealth funds from Gulf countries have already established their offices in China, reflecting the growing economic ties.

Recent agreements underscore this momentum. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund signed memorandums worth USD $50 billion with Chinese financial institutions in 2024, targeting sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities.

These collaborations align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and China’s green development goals, highlighting complementary economic strategies.

Role of Macao and Hong Kong

Macao SAR of China plays a strategic role as a gateway for China’s engagement with the Gulf region. Known for its tourism and entertainment industries, Macao aims to diversify its visitor base by attracting tourists from the Middle East.

In 2024, Macao saw 34.90 million visitor arrivals, with international visitors increasing significantly. The visa-free policy is expected to further boost these numbers and support Macao’s ambition to become a global tourism and leisure hub.

Hong Kong SAR of China has also strengthened ties with the Gulf region. Recent visa exemptions allow Hong Kong SAR passport holders visa-free entry to Qatar and the UAE, with visa-free stays in Oman extended to 14 days. These moves complement Macao’s efforts and reinforce China’s broader strategy.

Future Prospects of China-Gulf Relations

The expansion of visa-free access to Gulf nationals heralds promising long-term benefits. It is anticipated to enhance economic growth through increased tourism, investment, and bilateral cooperation.

The trilateral cooperation framework involving ASEAN, China, and the GCC, launched in May 2025, further supports this trajectory by fostering regional integration across a combined economy representing nearly a quarter of the global GDP.

Looking ahead, increased visits and investments from Gulf countries are expected to accelerate China’s development in the finance, technology, and green energy sectors. Likewise, Gulf states stand to benefit from Chinese knowledge and experience in infrastructure and manufacturing.

The visa-free policies facilitate easier mobility, encouraging sustained people-to-people and business exchanges.

This initiative also serves as a model for China’s visa liberalization efforts with other regions. As global partnerships evolve, the China-Gulf visa-free policy exemplifies practical cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity and strengthens international ties.

This comprehensive visa-free entry policy marks a new chapter in China’s engagement with the Gulf region, promising enhanced connectivity, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange for years to come.

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