Putin inks decree to allow visa-free entry for Chinese citizens

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing Chinese citizens to enter Russia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, reports indicate. The measure mirrors China’s recent introduction of reciprocal visa-free access for Russian nationals, which began in September on a one-year trial basis to encourage travel between the two countries.

Chinese visitors can now enter Russia for private, business, or tourism purposes, as well as to participate in scientific, cultural, political, economic, or sporting events. The policy takes effect on December 1 and will remain in place until September 14, 2026.

Putin previously welcomed Beijing’s decision to grant visa-free entry for Russians, stating it would “undoubtedly” help deepen cultural and economic ties and pledged that Moscow would implement reciprocal measures.

Travel data already reflects the impact of these policies. Russian arrivals in China increased by 30-40% year-on-year in October. Two years ago, both countries had allowed visa-free travel for organized tour groups, boosting tourism flows. Between January and July of this year, 237,000 Russians visited China, while 262,000 Chinese tourists traveled to Russia.

Currently, eight Russian airlines operate 36 routes to China, and ten Chinese carriers serve 24 routes to Russia, totaling roughly 230 weekly flights. Aeroflot, Russia’s national carrier, reported that passenger traffic to China nearly tripled in 2024, reaching 830,000 travelers, with most headed to major destinations such as Hainan Island, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.

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