China has announced a new visa-free entry policy for Russian citizens, allowing visits of up to 30 days during a one-year trial period running from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026.
The arrangement applies to travelers holding regular passports and covers visits for business, tourism, family reunions, and educational exchanges. The move was revealed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to emphasize closer cooperation between the two countries.
Industry experts expect the relaxed rules to spark a sharp rise in Russian arrivals. Russia’s Association of Tour Operators projected a potential 40% increase in tourism flows to China. Already in the first half of 2025, more than 1 million Russians traveled to China, up nearly a third compared to the previous year. China ranked as the fifth-most visited foreign destination for Russian travelers during this period, according to Russia’s border service.
The trial period also reflects China’s broader push to expand tourism and international exchange following the lifting of pandemic restrictions in 2023. Since reopening, the country has extended visa-free access to 75 countries, aligning with its strategy to strengthen global connectivity and attract more international visitors.The new policy not only boosts people-to-people ties but also strengthens China–Russia economic and cultural cooperation at a time when both nations continue to deepen their strategic partnership.
