Russia And China Introduce New Visa-Free Travel For Citizens, Enhancing Tourism Between Moscow, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Shanghai And Beyond

Published on September 5, 2025

A reciprocal arrangement was announced by President Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum held at Vladivostok, and was, at that moment, one of the primary developments in travel policies for both Russia and China. Russia is China’s the latest travel and tourism enthusiast, as Beijing is attempting to nurture stronger economic and tourism relations with the country by providing its nationals access into Russia sans a visa.

The Context of the Agreement: A One-Year Trial Period
China made its move earlier this week, revealing that starting September 15, 2025, it will permit Russian passport holders to enter the country without a visa for a trial period of one year. During this period, Russians can stay in China for up to 30 days without the need for a visa. The move is being seen as a significant step toward deepening the economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the tourism sector.

Russia’s reciprocal decision to grant Chinese citizens the same privileges comes as part of Moscow’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Beijing. The Russian government is keen to attract more Chinese tourists and to stimulate its economy, which has been hit hard by various geopolitical pressures and sanctions. By allowing Chinese tourists to enter Russia without the bureaucratic hassle of obtaining a visa, the government hopes to encourage Chinese citizens to explore Russia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and expanding business opportunities.

What This Means for Chinese Tourists and Russian Travel
For Chinese tourists, this visa-free access to Russia will open a range of new possibilities. Russia is an attractive destination for Chinese travelers, with its historic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as the vast expanses of Siberia and the Russian Far East. The introduction of visa-free travel will make it easier for Chinese tourists to plan last-minute trips, further boosting Russia’s tourism sector, which has long struggled with fluctuating visitor numbers.

China is already one of Russia’s largest sources of international tourists, and the easing of travel restrictions is expected to lead to a surge in Chinese tourists. This will have significant economic benefits for the Russian hospitality and service industries, from hotels to restaurants, cultural sites, and local transportation.

With the global tourism market recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russian authorities are focusing on maximizing this opportunity to bolster its tourism infrastructure. Moscow, in particular, stands to benefit from an influx of Chinese visitors, with its iconic Red Square, the Kremlin, and other cultural and historical landmarks. The Russian Far East, which is geographically closer to China, is also poised to attract a growing number of tourists, offering Chinese travelers a chance to explore a part of the world that is still relatively unknown.

Impact on Russian Tourism: Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
This visa-free travel initiative is not only about tourism but also about fostering broader economic ties between Russia and China. By encouraging more Chinese citizens to visit Russia, Moscow aims to stimulate trade, cultural exchange, and greater economic cooperation. China’s growing influence in the global economy makes it an important partner for Russia, and facilitating easier travel is seen as a pragmatic way to strengthen their relationship.

In addition to tourism, the move could also benefit business and academic exchanges. Chinese entrepreneurs and academics will now have greater flexibility to travel to Russia for business meetings, collaborations, or research purposes without the burden of visa applications. This could increase the volume of investments, partnerships, and technological exchanges between the two countries.

A Two-Way Street: Benefits for Russian Travelers to China
While the focus is on the benefits for Chinese tourists in Russia, it is also important to note that the recent easing of visa restrictions for Russian citizens to China will also contribute to a greater exchange of people and ideas between the two countries. The trial period of visa-free access for Russian citizens to China, which begins on September 15, is expected to be a game-changer for those looking to visit China for tourism, business, or academic pursuits.

For Russian tourists, this move opens up China as an easily accessible travel destination. China’s rich culture, history, and rapidly expanding urban centers are sure to attract many Russian visitors. As more Russians take advantage of this opportunity, tourism between the two countries is expected to grow exponentially.

Increased Air Traffic and Connectivity: What Airlines Are Saying
The introduction of visa-free travel for both Russian and Chinese citizens is expected to create a ripple effect across the aviation industry. Airlines operating between China and Russia, such as Aeroflot and China Eastern Airlines, are likely to see a sharp rise in passenger numbers. The increased demand for flights will lead to more frequent services and possibly the introduction of new routes between key cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Airlines are already ramping up operations to accommodate the expected surge in tourism and business travel. The greater ease of travel is likely to stimulate competition among airlines, with improved services and more affordable ticket options for passengers.

What’s Next: A New Chapter in Sino-Russian Relations
The reciprocal visa-free travel arrangements between Russia and China are just one part of a larger strategy to improve ties between the two nations. As both countries continue to enhance their diplomatic, economic, and cultural connections, the travel sector stands to benefit significantly.

Tourism is often considered a barometer of good relations between nations, and with both countries now working to make travel easier for their citizens, the future of Russian-Chinese relations looks promising. The success of the one-year trial period for Russian citizens in China will likely lead to a permanent agreement on visa-free travel, further cementing the partnership between these two major global players.

A New Era of Travel for Russian and Chinese Citizens

The beginning of visa-free travel for Chinese citizens by Russia after China itself eased visa restrictions for Russian tourists—signals another milestone in Sino-Russian relations. This pioneering move is set to bring forth immense avenues in tourism, commerce, and cultural integration between both nations. The new agreement presents new motivating factors for travel for both Chinese and Russian citizens. This expanding travel network promises boundless opportunities for closer integration and stronger relations between the two nations. With the two nations poised to take advantage of the new visa policy, the travel geography of the world is poised to be redefined by fresh and collaborative travel between Russia and China.