Russia Announces Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will soon implement visa-free travel for Chinese citizens, mirroring China’s recent decision to offer the same privilege to Russian nationals. This reciprocal agreement was discussed during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government. The measure is seen as a significant step in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
Putin praised Beijing’s decision to grant visa-free entry to Russians, emphasizing its role in fostering further cooperation. China introduced one-year trial visa-free entry for Russian travelers in September, which has already led to a significant increase in Russian visitors to China. Deputy chair of the State Duma’s tourism committee, Tatiana Lobach, noted a 30-40% year-on-year rise in Russian citizens visiting China in October, attributing this to a growing interest in learning about China’s culture and traditions.
The mutual visa-free policy aims to further enhance bilateral relations between Russia and China, building on a previous agreement from two years ago that allowed visa-free tour groups to travel between the two countries. This policy is expected to further boost tourism and bilateral cooperation. Eight Russian airlines currently operate 36 routes to China, while ten Chinese carriers fly 24 routes to Russia, with a combined 230 flights a week.