Moscow: In a move highlighting the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting visa-free entry to Russia for a wide range of Chinese citizens. Under the new policy, eligible visitors can stay in Russia for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa, a decision seen as a step toward fostering closer cultural, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
The visa exemption applies to multiple categories of Chinese nationals, including tourists, business travellers, academics, artists, and athletes. This measure is expected to significantly ease travel for short-term visits, encouraging Chinese citizens to explore Russia for tourism, business, academic, and cultural purposes. However, certain groups are excluded from the policy, including Chinese migrant workers, long-term students, and individuals employed in logistics and transportation sectors. These individuals must continue to secure traditional visas for entry.
Russian authorities have described the new visa-free regime as a reciprocal gesture following China’s announcement in September 2025, which allowed many Russian passport holders to enter China without a visa for short-term visits. The Russian decree will remain in effect until 14 September 2026, providing a nearly year-long window for eligible Chinese citizens to travel freely.
The announcement comes amid the backdrop of growing strategic cooperation between Russia and China. Since 2022, the two nations have strengthened economic, trade, and energy ties, partly in response to Western sanctions on Russia. By facilitating easier travel for Chinese citizens, Russia aims to enhance tourism, business collaborations, academic exchanges, and cultural interactions, while also reinforcing the broader bilateral relationship.
For Chinese tourists and professionals, the visa-free policy reduces bureaucratic barriers and encourages short-term engagement in Russia. The policy is expected to boost tourism, stimulate business partnerships, and foster cultural and educational collaborations. At the same time, Chinese nationals seeking long-term residence, employment, or study in Russia will still need to obtain appropriate visas.
Overall, this initiative reflects a strategic effort by Russia to deepen ties with China, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity amid a complex international environment.