Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday approved a decree granting visa-free entry for certain categories of Chinese travelers, marking another step in the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing, according to Anadolu Agency.
The measure, published on Russia’s official government portal, allows Chinese citizens to enter Russia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days if they are traveling for business, tourism, or participation in scientific, cultural, or sporting events. The policy takes effect immediately and is set to remain in force until September 14, 2026.
The exemption does not extend to Chinese nationals seeking to work or study in Russia, categories that will continue to require standard visa procedures.
The move mirrors a similar step by Beijing, which in September announced that Russian citizens will be able to enter China visa-free from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026. Putin had signaled earlier this month that Russia would reciprocate China’s policy, telling Chinese Premier Li Qiang that easing travel rules would meaningfully strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
“I am confident this will have significant consequences in both the economic and humanitarian spheres,” Putin said. “It will provide a strong boost to the development of our relations.”
Signs of immediate interest emerged Monday, as the Chinese travel platform Fliggy reported an eightfold surge in flight searches to Russia following the announcement. Popular destinations among Chinese users include Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Murmansk, and Irkutsk. Tongcheng Travel, another major Chinese booking service, said searches related to Russia more than doubled within hours.
The visa-free initiative underscores the growing strategic alignment between Russia and China at a time when both nations face heightened tensions with Western powers and are seeking to expand people-to-people and commercial exchanges.
