China has announced a one-year visa-free travel trial for Russian citizens, effective from September 15, 2025. The initiative, announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. This measure is intended to enhance bilateral relations and facilitate travel between the two nations. Under the policy, Russian passport holders will be permitted to enter China without a visa, with a maximum stay of 30 days. The decision marks a significant step in deepening economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
The visa-free program will be expanded to include ordinary passport holders, allowing them to travel for various purposes such as tourism, business, and family visits. The announcement has generated considerable interest in China travel, with increased online searches for flights and accommodation. The Russian Association of Travel Aggregators reported a doubling in inquiries following the announcement, predicting a 30% or higher increase in demand. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to promote tourism and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
Currently, Russians need a visa to visit China, with tourist permits issued through visa centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as Chinese consulates in cities including Ekaterinburg, Kazan, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok. Fees range from 2,500 to 3,300 rubles ($31-41) for a single-entry visa, while multiple-entries start from $92. Processing usually takes a week, but sometimes longer.
Moscow and Beijing launched a visa-free group tourist exchange in August 2023, which was used by nearly 130,000 people that year, according to Russia’s Association of Tour Operators.
At present, eight Russian airlines operate 36 routes to China, while ten Chinese carriers fly on 24 routes to Russia, with a combined 230 flights a week. According to the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot, passenger traffic to China nearly tripled in 2024 to 830,000, focused on popular destinations such as Hainan Island, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
China’s new visa policy is expected to further boost bilateral tourism and trade, offering Russian citizens greater convenience in traveling to the country. The policy reflects the growing importance of China-Russia relations and the mutual desire to enhance economic and cultural collaboration.