China to Allow Visa-Free Travel for Russians in One-Year Trial

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China will allow Russian citizens to visit without a visa for up to 30 days during a one-year trial period starting later this month, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

“From Sept. 15, 2025, to Sept. 14, 2026, a trial visa-free policy will be in effect for Russian citizens with regular passports,” spokesman Guo Jiakun told

Russians will be able to enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits or educational exchanges, he said.

The announcement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the two leaders praised their growing partnership as a bulwark against the West.

Russia’s Association of Tour Operators said the relaxed rules could boost Russian tourism to China

Since lifting Covid-19 restrictions and reopening its borders in 2023, China has expanded visa-free entry to 75 countries.

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