Russia has issued a decree granting Chinese citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days, aiming to boost the number of Chinese tourists traveling for business or leisure.
MOSCOW, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports to enter Russia without a visa for tourism and business purposes, provided that their stay does not exceed 30 days. The measure was adopted on the basis of reciprocity and took effect immediately upon its signing on Monday.
Under the decree, valid until 14 September 2026, Chinese citizens may enter Russia visa-free for family visits, business trips, tourism, participation in scientific, cultural, sociopolitical, economic, or sporting events, or for transit through Russian territory, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
The exemption does not apply to Chinese citizens entering Russia for employment, study, or residence, nor to drivers, crew members, freight forwarders, or interpreters engaged in international road transport.
According to Aleksandr Musihin, Vice President for Tourism at the Russian Union of Travel Industry, the visa-free regime could increase the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Russia during the summer season by 30–40 percent. Aleksandr Bragin, Director of the Russian Travel Resources Association, noted that the tourism sector had long awaited this policy and that independent travel from China—including business visits—could rise by 1.5 to 2 times. He added that hotel occupancy rates are expected to increase even during off-season periods.
Nikita Kondratyev, an official from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, stated that China currently ranks first among foreign countries in terms of tourist visits to Russia. With the introduction of visa-free travel, Russia expects to receive more than 2 million Chinese tourists next year.
On 2 September, China announced a one-year pilot program granting Russian citizens holding ordinary passports a 30-day visa-free stay for business, tourism, family and friend visits, participation in various exchange activities, or transit through China.