President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Chinese citizens will soon be able to visit Russia without a visa. The pledge comes months after China lifted visa requirements for Russian nationals, allowing travel without restrictions since September. Russian passport holders can currently visit China for up to 30 days under a one-year trial program. Putin described the program as a “friendly act” and promised Moscow would reciprocate.
During a Kremlin meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Putin reiterated that visa-free entry for Chinese travelers would come into effect soon. He called the move a “mirror measure” that would further strengthen Russian-Chinese relations. Putin added that the policy would spark a “good and positive explosion” in bilateral ties, though he did not provide an exact start date.
History of Travel and Visa Policies
Russia and China previously maintained a mutual visa-free regime for group tours. This arrangement was temporarily suspended during China’s nearly three-year border closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, China allowed Russian travelers in transit to stay for up to ten days without a visa. Putin’s September pledge to grant Chinese nationals visa-free access triggered significant public interest.
Following the announcement, hotel bookings and flight searches by Chinese tourists surged in early October. Many travelers anticipated Moscow would implement visa-free entry soon, preparing for upcoming trips. Officials have yet to specify the exact procedures or launch date for the new program.
Impact on Tourism and Relations
Analysts said visa-free travel could boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between Russia and China. Increased travel would likely benefit airlines, hotels, and local businesses in Russian cities popular with Chinese visitors. The measure is expected to encourage greater cultural exchange and deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and infrastructure.
Both leaders emphasized that visa reciprocity symbolizes trust and friendship between the two nations. The policy also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in multiple sectors, including commerce and diplomacy. Officials anticipate that Chinese and Russian citizens will benefit from smoother and faster travel in the near future.
