China and Russia Deepen Ties with New Visa-Free Travel Policy for Tourists and Business People

Published on December 1, 2025

Visa restrictions for citizens of China starting to be eased. China to expand closest to Russia Visa restrictions in order to strengthen ties with China, President Putin signed a decree that will allow Chinese citizens, including tourists, business travelers, scholars, artists, and athletes to enter Russia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This will be a temporary measure until September 14, 2026. This is seen as a reciprocal arrangement after China declared that it would begin to grant visa free travel and stay to ordinary Russian passport holders for 1 year, starting September 15, 2025.

Deepening Strategic Partnership: A Move to Strengthen Russia-China Relations

This new visa exemption policy is the latest in a series of initiatives that signal the deepening strategic ties between Russia and China. The two nations declared a “no limits” strategic partnership in February 2022, just days before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russia has faced significant economic challenges due to sweeping Western sanctions, which have isolated the country from global trade networks. In response, Russia has increasingly turned to China for trade and technological imports, and this new visa policy reflects the growing reliance between the two countries.

The mutual visa-free agreements reflect the political and economic cooperation that has grown stronger over the past few years. This partnership has become crucial for Russia’s economic survival, and the visa exemption is expected to play a vital role in enhancing tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges.

Visa-Free Access: Who Benefits and What Does It Mean for Travelers?

The new visa exemption applies to specific categories of travelers, including tourists, business people, academics, artists, and athletes. This move is intended to encourage cultural exchanges and tourism while bolstering economic ties between the two countries. However, the decree does not extend to certain groups, including Chinese migrant workers, long-term students, or logistics and transport personnel.

The visa-free access is likely to benefit those looking to visit Russia for short-term travel, whether for tourism, business, or cultural activities. Chinese tourists, who are already among the largest groups of international visitors to Russia, will find this new policy especially advantageous. The ease of travel without the need for visa applications or the associated processing delays can encourage more people to explore Russia’s cultural and historical treasures, from the imperial architecture of St. Petersburg to the bustling streets of Moscow.

Boosting Tourism: A Win for Both Russian and Chinese Economies

The granting of visa-free access is expected to significantly boost tourism between Russia and China, two countries that have a long history of mutual exchange and cooperation. For Chinese tourists, this move opens up the opportunity to experience Russia’s world-class cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and vibrant cities. From exploring the artistic treasures in the Hermitage Museum to venturing into the vast wilderness of Siberia, the removal of the visa barrier makes Russia an even more attractive destination for Chinese travelers.

For Russia, the policy could be a much-needed boost to its tourism sector, which has suffered due to the loss of Western visitors in the wake of the Ukraine conflict and international sanctions. With fewer foreign tourists from the West, Russia has turned its focus towards its neighbor to the east. The rise in Chinese tourism is expected to fill the gap left by Western tourists and further stimulate local economies, especially in major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and in tourism-rich areas like Lake Baikal and the Caucasus Mountains.

Increased Business and Cultural Exchange: A Step Towards Greater Cooperation

The visa exemption also promotes greater business and academic exchanges between Russia and China. With increased access to each other’s markets, Chinese investors and Russian entrepreneurs can explore new opportunities in fields ranging from technology to agriculture and energy. This, in turn, will likely lead to increased trade, which both countries are eager to develop further.

For academics, artists, and athletes, the visa exemption facilitates greater cooperation in fields such as education, science, and culture. The two nations have already been working on joint cultural projects, and the visa-free policy will help expand these collaborations. Chinese artists and scholars, for example, will have an easier time participating in Russian cultural events and exhibitions, while Russian counterparts will be able to travel freely to China for similar engagements.

The Reciprocal Nature of the Policy: Strengthening the Russia-China Bond

The visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals is a reciprocal move following China’s own decision to extend a similar arrangement to Russian citizens. This policy, implemented from September 2025, allows Russian passport holders to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days, thus reinforcing the idea of mutual cooperation and support between the two countries.

This growing ease of travel between Russia and China not only facilitates tourism but also strengthens the broader diplomatic and strategic relationship between the two nations. As both countries face growing geopolitical tensions with the West, they have found common ground in their shared interests and mutual support. The visa-free agreement serves as a testament to the solidifying relationship between Russia and China and is expected to lead to more collaborative efforts in the years to come.

Impact on Travel and Tourism Trends: A New Era for Sino-Russian Relations

The impact of the visa-free agreement will likely be far-reaching, particularly in the realm of travel and tourism. The growing cooperation between Russia and China is expected to lead to a surge in tourism in both directions. As more Chinese travelers flock to Russia, there is potential for Russian tourism providers to see a rise in demand for services, tours, accommodations, and cultural experiences.

For Chinese citizens, the visa-free access to Russia opens up an exciting opportunity to explore a new destination without the usual administrative hurdles. Russian cities and regions that have traditionally been more remote or difficult to reach will likely see an increase in visitors from China, further enhancing the country’s tourism industry.

A Strategic Move with Long-Term Benefits

Granting visa waivers for Chinese business and leisure travelers is a sign of the deepening Russo-China relationship. The easing of travel restrictions will enhance business partnerships, tourism, and cultural exchange. This policy is a rational approach designed to improve the Russo-China relationship, particularly in light of shifting geopolitics. For the immediate future, it will enhance cooperation for mutual benefit.