Russia & China’s Groundbreaking Visa-Free Policy Sparks Tourism Surge: Aeroflot and China Eastern Prepare for Record-Breaking Traffic as Russian Hotels Gear Up for Influx!

Published on December 3, 2025

Russia & China’s groundbreaking visa-free policy has sparked a tourism surge, setting the stage for an exciting new era of cross-border travel between the two nations. With Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree granting Chinese citizens the ability to visit Russia without a visa for up to 30 days, there has been an immediate and notable increase in interest from Chinese travelers. Aeroflot and China Eastern Airlines are already preparing for a record-breaking influx of passengers, with both airlines ramping up flight offerings between major Chinese cities and key Russian destinations. Russian hotels, too, are gearing up to accommodate the anticipated rise in visitors, particularly from China’s rapidly growing outbound tourism market. This mutual visa-free agreement, which allows for seamless travel between Russia and China, is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two countries, while offering tourists an unprecedented opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse landscapes of Russia.

Russia & China’s Groundbreaking Visa-Free Policy Sparks Tourism Surge: Aeroflot and China Eastern Prepare for Record-Breaking Traffic as Russian Hotels Gear Up for Influx!

The launch of the visa-free policy between Russia and China has opened a new chapter in cross-border tourism, with both nations set to experience an unprecedented surge in travel. As of December 1, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting Chinese citizens visa-free access for up to 30 days, allowing tourists to visit Russia for business, tourism, or family visits. This reciprocal agreement is expected to change the dynamics of the tourism industry for both countries, with airlines and hotels already preparing for the massive influx of visitors. Here’s what tourists can expect in this exciting new travel era.

Record-Breaking Flight Traffic from China to Russia: Aeroflot and China Eastern Gear Up for the Surge

In the wake of the announcement, Chinese travelers have begun flocking to travel platforms, booking flights to Russia in record numbers. The significant uptick in flight bookings is already being felt across both countries. According to recent reports, within hours of the announcement, flight searches from China to Russia saw a dramatic rise, with searches for flights from Beijing to Moscow jumping by 44%. This surge is expected to continue, as more Chinese nationals look to visit Russia’s iconic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as the lesser-explored regions of Siberia and the Far East.

Leading airlines such as Aeroflot and China Eastern are preparing for the spike in demand. Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship carrier, has already announced plans to increase the frequency of flights between major Chinese cities and Russia, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The airline is expected to handle a substantial increase in passenger traffic, with the possibility of adding new routes to meet the demand. Similarly, China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest carriers, is poised to strengthen its flight offerings, increasing the number of direct flights between China and Russia.

For travelers, this presents an excellent opportunity to experience both countries’ cultural offerings, with more affordable and frequent flights to choose from. Whether it’s a direct route from Shanghai to Moscow or a connecting flight through one of Russia’s regional airports, there are now more options for travelers eager to explore Russia.

Russian Hotels Bracing for a Boom: What Tourists Can Expect

With the surge in travel, Russian hotels are bracing for an influx of tourists, especially those coming from China. According to early reports, hotel reservations in Russia have already begun to skyrocket, with bookings from Chinese tourists increasing by over 43% in recent months. This is just the beginning, with experts forecasting a 30-40% increase in Russian tourist arrivals from China during the peak travel seasons of 2026.

Russia’s hospitality industry, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg, is seeing a revival, with many hotels preparing to handle the influx of visitors. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental are already gearing up for this increase in demand. These international brands are offering special packages, including guided city tours, cultural events, and tailored amenities designed to appeal to Chinese travelers. In addition to luxury hotels, boutique accommodations in lesser-known cities like Vladivostok, Kazan, and Yekaterinburg are also experiencing a rise in interest. These destinations, often overlooked by international tourists, are expected to see a boost in both business and leisure travel.

For tourists visiting Russia, this offers the chance to stay in some of the country’s most renowned hotels, as well as explore the richness of its culture and history. Moscow’s Red Square, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and the natural wonders of Lake Baikal in Siberia are now more accessible than ever.

How the Visa-Free Policy is Revolutionizing Cross-Border Tourism

The introduction of the visa-free policy is a significant milestone in Sino-Russian relations. It follows the Chinese government’s decision to extend a 30-day visa-free policy for Russian nationals earlier in 2025, creating a reciprocal travel agreement that fosters deeper ties between the two nations. This mutual policy reflects a broader trend of increasing cooperation between Russia and China, not only in business and trade but also in tourism, with both countries benefiting from enhanced access to each other’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

For Chinese tourists, this new policy removes many of the barriers that once made traveling to Russia time-consuming and costly. The ease of travel will make it much more appealing for Chinese nationals to visit Russia, whether they are interested in exploring Russia’s urban centers, engaging in business activities, or enjoying the country’s unique natural beauty.

Tourism Boom Set to Revitalize Russia’s Far East and Siberia

While Moscow and St. Petersburg are expected to see the highest number of visitors, the visa-free policy will also bring more attention to Russia’s Far East and Siberian regions. Previously, these areas were underrepresented in international tourism but now have the potential to become significant draws. The Far Eastern Federal District, with cities like Vladivostok, and the Siberian regions, including Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, are expected to benefit greatly from the influx of Chinese tourists.

These regions are not only rich in history but also offer incredible natural landscapes, such as Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world, and the vast expanse of Siberian forests. Russian tourism authorities are already preparing special tours that highlight these regions’ remote beauty, giving tourists a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit places few have ever seen. For many Chinese travelers, the opportunity to visit these unexplored areas will be a major attraction, offering the chance to experience Russia’s less-traveled path.

What to Expect for Tourists Visiting Russia: Travel Tips and Flight Details

1. Flight Details: Direct flights from China to Russia are available from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Airlines like Aeroflot, China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China are the key carriers providing these services. Flights from Beijing to Moscow typically take around 7 to 8 hours, while flights from Shanghai or Guangzhou to Moscow are slightly longer, around 9 hours. Flight prices are expected to fluctuate depending on demand, but early bookings are highly recommended to secure the best rates.
2. Currency Exchange: The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB). While some international credit cards are widely accepted in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, it’s advisable to carry some rubles for smaller establishments or remote areas.
3. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Russia depends on what you’re looking to experience. For those looking to explore the cities and enjoy mild weather, late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. For winter lovers, the colder months from December to February bring magical snow-covered landscapes, perfect for those heading to Siberia or the Far East.
4. Travel Insurance: It’s always wise to have travel insurance that covers health, cancellation, and any disruptions during your trip. Although the visa-free policy makes traveling easier, unforeseen events can still occur, so insurance is a good safety net.
5. Cultural Tips: When visiting Russia, it’s helpful to know some basic Russian phrases, although many people in urban areas can communicate in English. Russians are known for their warm hospitality, and showing respect for local customs—like dressing modestly when visiting churches and cultural sites—is appreciated.

How the New Visa-Free Policy is Strengthening Tourism Ties Between China and Russia

The mutual visa-free policy is not just about increasing tourism; it’s also about strengthening the cultural and diplomatic ties between China and Russia. With trade relations flourishing between the two countries, the increased ease of travel will lead to greater exchanges between people from both sides. This could also lead to more business opportunities, educational exchanges, and cultural collaborations, which will further enrich the experience of both Russian and Chinese visitors.

The easing of travel restrictions also opens the door for regional cooperation. Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Mongolia, could see increased trade and tourism as Chinese tourists travel via these regions en route to Russia. This shift could foster greater collaboration among these countries, enhancing the development of infrastructure and boosting their tourism industries as well.

The Future of Tourism: What to Expect in the Coming Years

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, both Russia and China are poised to benefit from continued tourism growth under the visa-free regime. As more Chinese nationals travel to Russia, we can expect further investments in infrastructure, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg will continue to modernize, and regional airports in cities like Vladivostok and Irkutsk are likely to see expansions to accommodate the growing number of international travelers.

Hotels will also continue to evolve, offering specialized services for Chinese tourists, including Mandarin-speaking staff, traditional Chinese cuisine options, and tailored tours. These investments in infrastructure will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute significantly to both Russia and China’s economies, creating new opportunities for local businesses and tourism operators.

As Russia and China continue to strengthen their partnership, tourism will remain a key pillar of this relationship. The visa-free policy is just the beginning of what could be a transformative period for tourism in both nations.

Russia & China’s groundbreaking visa-free policy has ignited a tourism boom, with Aeroflot and China Eastern Airlines bracing for a record-breaking surge in travel. As Russian hotels prepare for an influx of visitors, this new era of seamless travel promises to unlock exciting opportunities for explorers eager to experience both countries’ rich cultures.

In conclusion, Russia’s new visa-free policy with China is set to change the landscape of tourism between these two powerhouse nations. With Aeroflot and China Eastern Airlines gearing up for record traffic and Russian hotels preparing for a wave of new visitors, both tourists and industry professionals alike can expect a bright future for cross-border tourism. Whether it’s exploring Moscow’s historic Red Square, wandering through St. Petersburg’s world-class museums, or experiencing the untouched beauty of Siberia, Russia is now more accessible than ever. Now is the perfect time to pack your bags and explore the vast wonders of this fascinating country.