Russia Unites With UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Palestine, Qatar, Albania, and Other Countries Offering Visa-Free Entry to Chinese Travellers in 2025: What You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip

Published on December 5, 2025

Russia will allow Chinese citizens to enter the country without a visa for a limited period in 2025 and 2026, aligning its policy with destinations such as the UAE, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Palestine, Albania, and other countries that already grant visa-free access to Chinese travellers. The measure has been planned as a temporary arrangement that supports tourism movement, business travel, and participation in approved events. The policy has been confirmed through an official decree and aligns with a reciprocal step taken earlier by China.

Visa-Free Access and Travel Conditions

A visa-free entry window for Chinese passport holders will run from 1 December 2025 to 14 September 2026. Travellers from China will be allowed to enter Russia for tourism, business visits, transit, or participation in cultural, scientific, sporting, economic, or socio-political activities.

The maximum allowed stay will be 30 days. Longer stays will not be permitted under this arrangement. Travellers entering for employment, media-related work, education, residence, or transportation activity will not qualify for visa-free access.

The measure reflects a direct response to China’s earlier decision. China launched a trial visa-free program for Russian visitors operating from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026. Both countries already maintain a group-tour visa waiver, and China previously allowed Russian travellers in transit to remain for up to ten days.

Travel interest has been influenced by these adjustments. After China introduced its trial program, demand for tours from Russia reportedly increased significantly, supporting stronger cross-border tourism activity.

Current Visa-Free Destinations for Chinese Passport Holders

Chinese travellers already enjoy visa-free access to several destinations worldwide. These entry rules permit movement without advance visa arrangements and vary in duration.

Europe & Central Asia:
Albania (90 days), Armenia (180 days), Azerbaijan (30 days), Belarus (30 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days), Georgia (30 days), Kazakhstan (30 days), Serbia (30 days)

Americas:
Antigua and Barbuda (30 days), Bahamas (90 days), Barbados (30 days), Cuba (90 days), Dominica (180 days), Grenada (30 days), Haiti (90 days), Jamaica (30 days), Saint Kitts and Nevis (90 days), Suriname (30 days)

Africa:
Angola (30 days), Benin (30 days), Malawi (30 days), Morocco (90 days), Mozambique (30 days), Mauritius (90 days), Seychelles (90 days), Tunisia (90 days), Zambia (90 days)

Asia & Oceania:
Fiji (120 days), Iran (21 days), Kiribati (90 days), Malaysia (30 days), Maldives (30 days), Micronesia (30 days), Qatar (30 days), Singapore (30 days), United Arab Emirates (30 days), Vanuatu (120 days)

Special Territory:
Palestine (visa-free entry)

These destinations remain key options for Chinese tourists planning simplified travel without additional documentation.

Travel Behaviour and Tourism Considerations

Visa-free programs influence how travellers plan holidays and international movement. Tourists often prefer destinations with simplified entry rules, as trip planning becomes easier and faster. When visa barriers are reduced, travellers usually show heightened interest in cross-border experiences, cultural visits, and event participation.

Visa exemptions also support tourism-related spending. Travel patterns often shift toward destinations where less processing time is required. Travellers respond positively to clear entry rules, predictable stay limits, and straightforward border procedures. These factors shape decisions on flights, hotels, and overall trip duration.

Important Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Trips

Even with visa-free access, proper documentation remains essential. Chinese travellers must ensure their passport holds at least six months of validity. Proof of onward travel, hotel bookings, or invitations may be required.

Some countries may request financial evidence or health documentation, depending on local regulations. Certain visa-free arrangements apply only through specific airports or border checkpoints, so travellers must confirm the correct entry route. Policies can shift due to diplomatic changes, making verification before departure necessary.

Image Source: AI