Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia
Ordinary-passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges or transit. This unilateral policy currently runs to 31 December 2026.
China visa assistance
China entry and visa assistance from the GCC.
All six GCC citizenships can currently visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days, while most expatriates living in the Gulf still need a Chinese visa. We confirm whether your trip qualifies and prepare a complete visa file when it does not.
Professional Service FeeBHD 44
Government, embassy, visa application centre, biometrics, insurance, courier and other applicable third-party charges are separate.
Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authority. Gulf United Mobility does not guarantee visa approval.
- Personalised document checklist
- Application preparation support
- Document review
- Submission guidance
- Case support
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Do not include passport scans, IDs or financial documents. Send sensitive documents only through your secure client portal.
Continue on WhatsAppEntry information last reviewed: 27 October 2026
Entry requirements overview
Do you need a visa for China?
It depends on the passport you hold, not only where you live. Many travellers need no visa at all; others need an eVisa or a consular visa.
UAE and Qatar
Ordinary-passport holders benefit from 30-day mutual visa-exemption agreements. Work, study, journalism and residence still require the correct visa.
Most other nationalities
Travellers outside the exemption lists apply for a visa (for example L tourist or M business) through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre for their place of residence.
Visa-free transit
Separate transit-without-visa rules apply to eligible nationalities on onward journeys. They have strict port, region and time limits and are not a substitute for a visitor visa.
GCC citizens
The 30-day count starts from 00:00 on the day after entry. Plan longer stays, work or study through a visa, and recheck the unilateral policy if you travel in 2027.
Expatriates resident in the GCC
GCC residence does not make you eligible for visa-free entry. Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and Egyptian nationals normally need a visa, applied for from their country of residence.
The unilateral visa-free policy for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia is scheduled to end on 31 December 2026. We recheck the National Immigration Administration notice before advising on travel after that date.
Digital requirements
eVisas, authorisations and arrival cards.
Official online systems only. Gulf United Mobility never submits arrival cards or applications through unofficial agent websites.
NIA Online Arrival Card
Free optional digital arrival card from the National Immigration Administration. Paper cards and port kiosks remain available. It is not a visa.
Official siteOnline visa application form
Chinese visa applications are completed online and then submitted at the visa centre. An online form is not an electronic visa.
Official siteHow Gulf United Mobility can assist
China travel support options.
You provide the required personal information and supporting documents. Gulf United Mobility manages the preparation, coordination and application-readiness process for you.
Visa-free eligibility check
We confirm whether your passport and trip qualify for visa-free entry so you do not pay for an unnecessary visa.
Tourist and business visa files
Online form preparation, invitation-letter review and document organisation for the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
Multi-city itineraries
Structured itineraries for trade fairs, factory visits and multi-city tours, consistent with your bookings.
- 01AssessmentYou share the travel purpose, dates and current status. We confirm the available scope and professional fee.
- 02Personalised checklistYou receive a checklist prepared for your circumstances, not a generic list.
- 03Document preparationYou collect and we organise the file, flagging gaps while there is still time to fix them.
- 04Quality reviewA structured pre-submission review of the form, documents and consistency of the case.
- 05Submission / appointment readinessGuidance for the submission and appointment stage so nothing is left to the last day.
- 06Follow-up and handoverCase updates within scope, then a documented handover of the final file to you.
Documents and preparation
What a well-prepared file usually contains.
Chinese visa centres check the online form against the documents closely. The official checklist for your visa category prevails.
Identity & residence
- Passport with at least six months' validity and blank pages
- GCC residence permit (for non-citizens)
- Photograph to Chinese visa specification
Trip evidence
- Flight and hotel reservations or tourist itinerary
- Invitation letter from the Chinese company for business visits
- Trade-fair registration where relevant
Supporting
- Employment letter or trade licence
- Previous Chinese visas, if any
- Details of family hosts for private visits
Final document requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances and the requirements of the relevant authority at the time of application.
- Count visa-free days from the day after arrival, and keep a confirmed onward ticket.
- For business visits, ensure the Chinese inviter's details match exactly on the form and invitation.
- Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry rules from mainland China.
Government fees and our professional fee are separate
Government visa fees, eVisa charges, authorisation fees and any visa-centre or service-provider charges are set by the relevant authority or its appointed provider. They are paid to them, are subject to change, and are normally non-refundable whatever the outcome.
Gulf United Mobility's published professional service fee covers assessment, preparation, document review and submission guidance only. The applicable route and scope are confirmed before work begins; it is never a government fee. Where no visa is needed, we tell you — we do not sell an unnecessary application.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration — Visa-free policyUnilateral visa-free countries and conditions
- Office of the Commissioner of the MFA in Hong Kong — Visa-free extensionPolicy validity to 31 December 2026
- NIA Online Arrival CardOfficial digital arrival card
- Chinese Visa Application Service CenterAuthorised application centre and online form
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
Gulf United Mobility is not a government body, embassy, consulate or appointed application centre. The requirements we work to are those published by the authorities below, and they may change at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for China?
Saudi ordinary-passport holders can currently enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit. The policy currently runs to 31 December 2026.
Can expatriates in the UAE visit China visa-free?
Not because of UAE residence. Visa-free entry depends on nationality. Most Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and Egyptian residents need a Chinese visa.
Is the China online arrival card mandatory?
The online arrival card is optional. Paper cards and port kiosks remain available on arrival.
Can I work in China on visa-free entry?
No. Visa-free entry covers short visits only. Work, study and residence require the appropriate visa or permit.
Request visa assistance
Tell us about your China trip.
Share your passport nationality, country of residence, travel purpose and dates. A case representative confirms whether a visa is needed and the right route before anything is collected. The published professional service fee is shown above; government and third-party charges are separate.
Never send passport scans, ID numbers or bank details through this form. Entry decisions remain with the National Immigration Administration of China and Chinese diplomatic missions.
Start your visa application
Tell us about your trip
Share the essentials and a case representative will review your requirement and confirm the next steps.
Clear scope. Accountable delivery.
Start on WhatsAppReady to prepare your China visa application?
Share the travel purpose, timing and current status. We will confirm the available scope, the next steps and the professional fee before any documents are collected.
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