Russia Joins Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia and More in Supercharging Travel to China with All New Visa-Free Access: Everything You Need to Know

Published on September 16, 2025

Russia joins Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and other key countries in supercharging travel to China with the launch of all-new visa-free access. This move aims to simplify entry for tourists and business travelers alike, promoting stronger tourism, boosting trade, and enhancing cultural and economic exchanges. By removing visa barriers, China expects a surge in international arrivals, making it easier for citizens of these nations to explore its cities, attend business events, and strengthen bilateral ties. The policy is designed to accelerate travel, open new opportunities for trade, and position China as a central hub for global tourism and commerce.

China Rolls Out Visa-Free Policy to Strengthen Tourism and Trade with Russia

China has introduced a trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens, effective from September 15, 2025, until September 14, 2026. This policy allows Russian passport holders to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The visa exemption covers purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family, cultural exchanges, and transit.

The policy is set to significantly boost tourism by making China more accessible to Russian travelers. Previously, the visa process was a major barrier for those wishing to visit China, but with this policy, more Russians can easily travel to China, potentially leading to a surge in tourism. Travel platforms have already reported increases in flight bookings and hotel reservations from Russian travelers.

In addition to its impact on tourism, the policy is expected to enhance business exchanges between China and Russia. With easier travel, Russian professionals can now participate in more business events and exhibitions in China, fostering greater economic cooperation between the two nations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to benefit from the increased movement of business professionals, leading to new trade and investment opportunities.

This policy is in line with China’s broader strategy to promote international tourism and foster stronger economic ties with its neighbors. By easing travel restrictions, China aims to solidify its role as a key destination for global travelers and a hub for international business. If successful, the policy could set a precedent for future agreements with other countries, encouraging more cultural and economic exchanges.

Tourism Surge Expected from Visa-Free Access

The introduction of the visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost Russian tourism to China. By eliminating the visa application process, the policy makes it easier for Russian travelers to visit China for short-term trips, and it caters to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family or friends.

The impact on tourism is already apparent, with travel platforms reporting increased interest in Russian travel to China. Forecasts suggest that Russia will become one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Chinese tourists during peak seasons. The availability of more flights and the rise in bookings are clear indicators of this growth. Chinese travelers are particularly keen to visit Russian cities like Moscow, spurring further infrastructure development to accommodate the expected influx.

This surge in travel benefits both nations. For Russian tourists, the ease of access means they can now explore China’s rich cultural and historical sites with greater freedom, contributing to China’s tourism goals.

Business Opportunities Thrive with Visa-Free Travel

The visa-free policy is not only expected to stimulate tourism but also to boost business exchanges between China and Russia. Business professionals from Russia will have greater opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, and networking events in China, paving the way for stronger economic ties. Business tourism, in particular, is predicted to become a major growth area.

Business tourism now constitutes a large portion of the travel volume between China and Russia, indicating a shift toward a more diversified travel market. This trend is expected to lead to increased trade, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The easing of travel barriers will also help foster cross-border collaborations, particularly in light industrial goods, electronics, and machinery. The policy is poised to facilitate smoother transactions and more investment flows between the two countries.

Cross-border e-commerce is expected to be one of the primary beneficiaries of the visa-free policy. With Russia’s growing demand for Chinese goods, SMEs in both countries are well-positioned to capitalize on new trade opportunities.

Expanding Economic and Tourism Ties: Visa-Free Access and New Opportunities for China and Key Partners

China is opening doors to global travellers and business professionals with expanded visa-free access for key countries. This move is set to boost tourism, strengthen trade, and foster cultural exchanges. By simplifying travel, China aims to become a central hub for international tourism and economic collaboration.

Visa-Free Access to China for Singaporean Citizens

Citizens of Singapore enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days. This policy applies to travelers visiting for tourism, business, or family visits. The arrangement allows Singaporeans to enter China without the hassle of applying for a visa, making it easier for both leisure and business trips. Singapore and China have strong bilateral ties, and the visa exemption is part of efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation between the two nations. For longer stays, however, Singaporeans will need to apply for a visa.

Japan Citizens Enjoy 15-Day Visa-Free Entry to China

Japanese citizens are allowed to visit China without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa exemption is primarily for tourism but also applies to business trips and family visits. The simplified entry process strengthens the relationship between China and Japan, facilitating tourism and economic ties. With growing interest in travel and cross-border business, this visa-free arrangement supports easier mobility for Japanese visitors to explore China’s vast cultural, historical, and economic offerings. Any stay beyond 15 days requires the appropriate visa application.

Visa-Free Access for Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport holders enjoy visa-free access to mainland China. This policy allows residents of Hong Kong to travel to the mainland for short stays without the need for a visa. The exemption typically allows stays for tourism, business, and family visits. Hong Kong and mainland China share a unique administrative relationship, and this visa-free arrangement reflects the broader framework of cooperation between them. However, for stays exceeding the allowed duration or for other specific purposes, a visa application is necessary.

China Extends Visa-Free Access to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain

China’s recent visa-free policy expansion for Middle Eastern nations aims to strengthen its economic and diplomatic ties with these crucial trade partners. As of June 9, 2025, citizens from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be eligible for visa-free entry into China for stays of up to 30 days. This policy applies to a range of travel purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, and transit. It will remain in effect until June 8, 2026, offering an extended period for travelers from these countries to visit China without the need for a visa.

This policy is part of China’s broader efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen its presence in the Middle East, a region that plays a vital role in China’s global trade and diplomatic outreach. By facilitating easier travel for business professionals, tourists, and family members, the visa exemption is expected to promote cultural exchanges, increase tourism, and boost cross-border business activities. Moreover, it opens up new opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as energy, technology, and manufacturing, where China and the Middle Eastern nations have strong mutual interests.

This move reflects China’s strategic approach to deepen ties with the Middle East, paving the way for more dynamic interactions and fostering long-term partnerships between the regions.

Visa-Free Policies for Selected Asian Countries Enhancing Travel and Cooperation with China

Malaysia: China and Malaysia signed a bilateral agreement granting mutual visa exemptions for holders of ordinary and official passports. This agreement, effective from July 17, 2025, allows citizens of both countries to enter, exit, or transit through the other country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with a cumulative limit of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Azerbaijan: China and Azerbaijan signed a visa exemption agreement, which will take effect on July 16, 2025. This allows citizens from both countries to enter, exit, or transit the other country for up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative limit of 90 days within 180 days.

Indonesia: Starting June 12, 2025, Indonesian citizens are eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This allows for stays of up to 10 days for travelers transiting through China.

Uzbekistan: The agreement between China and Uzbekistan, effective from June 1, 2025, allows citizens of both countries holding ordinary passports to enter, exit, or transit each other’s country for up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative limit of 90 days within 180 days.

Samoa: Starting April 2, 2025, citizens of Samoa holding ordinary passports are eligible for visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative limit of 90 days within 180 days.

Thailand: Starting March 2024, Thailand and China will implement a permanent visa-free policy for their citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days, fostering stronger economic and tourism connections.

Brunei: Citizens of Brunei can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days, benefiting both leisure and business travelers, reinforcing people-to-people exchanges.

Solomon Islands: A visa exemption agreement between China and the Solomon Islands allows citizens of both countries to enter, exit, or transit without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

Comprehensive Overview of China’s Visa-Free Policies by Country and Region

Future Prospects: A Model for International Cooperation

In conclusion, China’s visa-free policies for several countries, including Russia, Singapore, Japan, Qatar, and Hong Kong, represent a significant step towards strengthening international relations, boosting tourism, and expanding economic cooperation. These initiatives facilitate easier travel and foster greater collaboration in key sectors such as trade, business, and cultural exchange. With the new policy, China is positioning itself as an accessible global hub for tourists and professionals alike. The shift towards private enterprise participation, particularly in areas like e-commerce and energy, signals a new era of collaboration. As these policies continue to evolve, they could serve as a model for future agreements with other countries, further enhancing China’s global influence and promoting deeper ties across borders.