China launches one-year visa-free trial for Russian citizens in 2025

(BEIJING) China will allow Russian citizens to enter on a visa-free basis for one year starting September 15, 2025, marking a sharp expansion of short-term travel access between the two countries.

The trial policy, announced on September 2 by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun in Beijing, permits stays of up to 30 days per entry for tourism, business, family visits, cultural or academic exchanges, and transit. It runs from September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2026, and will be reviewed after the trial ends. Officials described the measure as a practical step to strengthen people-to-people ties while deepening the strategic partnership with Russia.

Political timing and context

The announcement came alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders have emphasized closer coordination on regional and global issues, and this move is part of a broader pattern: China has been widening its visa-free regime to draw more visitors, support trade, and expand cultural exchange with selected partners.

Analysts note the one-year window reflects China’s calibrated approach—openness paired with a clear review point that allows adjustments based on real-world results. VisaVerge.com suggested the trial period gives authorities time to assess impacts before deciding whether to extend or revise the arrangement.

Who is eligible and what purposes are allowed

• Eligibility: Ordinary (regular) passport holders from Russia.
• Length of stay: Up to 30 days per visit.
• Permitted purposes:
  • Tourism
  • Business meetings
  • Visiting relatives or friends
  • Short academic or cultural exchanges (non-remunerated)
  • Transit

Important limitations:
– Paid work or full-time study still requires a visa.
– Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission; border officers can refuse entry for security or other reasons.
– The trial does not apply to diplomatic or service passports—only ordinary passports.

Entry requirements and practical rules

Travelers are advised to prepare the following documents and comply with standard rules:

• Passport with at least six months’ validity beyond planned stay.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host details).
• Return or onward ticket (if requested).
• Be ready to present evidence of trip purpose (e.g., business invitation, hotel reservation, contact details of relatives).
• Transit passengers should have onward flight details.

Registration and overstays:
– Hotels typically register guests automatically.
– Those staying in private homes must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
– Overstaying the 30-day limit can result in fines, removal, and future entry bans.

Officials also advised travelers to confirm airline boarding rules and check for any local entry restrictions that could affect specific routes or airports.

Border officers may conduct brief interviews at the port of entry, especially if the travel purpose is unclear. Immigration officials retain discretion to refuse admission in individual cases.

How the policy affects different traveler groups

• Business travelers: Easier short visits to factories, trade fairs, and partner meetings.
• Tourists and groups: Lower cost and simpler logistics for short trips to major cities, heritage sites, and festivals.
• Families: Quicker, less costly visits between relatives in the two countries.
• Academic and cultural visitors: Short, non-remunerated exchanges and programs without visa delays.

Limitations remain: the visa-free status is not a work permit. Anyone planning to work, intern for pay, or enroll in degree programs must obtain the correct visa in advance. Travelers who change their trip purpose after entry are expected to leave and re-enter with the proper visa rather than seek an internal status change.

Operational and economic implications

Travel professionals expect an uptick in Russian arrivals to border provinces and popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hainan. Potential benefits include:

• Faster deal cycles and stronger repeat orders for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Lower planning costs for tour operators and more spontaneous travel options for individuals.
• Increased passenger volumes at airports and major rail hubs linked to Russia.

Authorities will track key indicators to judge the pilot’s success:

1. Increased Russian visitor numbers.
2. Smoother border processing.
3. Low rates of overstays.
4. Positive feedback from local businesses and tourism bureaus.

If outcomes are positive, officials may consider extending or formalizing visa-free access. If problems—such as rising overstays—emerge, targeted checks or tightened rules could follow.

Interaction with Russian policies and market response

The trial complements Russia’s own e-visa options for Chinese nationals and group travel channels, though durations and scopes differ. By removing the visa step for short-term travel, China may encourage more balanced two-way traffic. Tour operators in both countries are already marketing seasonal packages built around the one-year window.

Examples of on-the-ground effects:
– A textile trader in Yiwu can arrange quicker visits to meet Russian buyers.
– Families in Novosibirsk can book last-minute trips to Harbin’s ice festival.
– Students joining a two-week research exchange in Shanghai may do so without a short-term visa—provided activities are unpaid and fit permitted purposes.

Warnings and travel advice

• Confirm your passport type and validity.
• Check airline policies—airlines can deny boarding if documents don’t meet entry requirements.
• Register accommodation within 24 hours if staying in private residences.
• Use only official sources for updates as the start date approaches.

For authoritative updates and potential clarifications, monitor the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn.

Timeline reminder

• Start date: September 15, 2025
• End date (trial conclusion): September 14, 2026
• The measure will be reassessed after September 14, 2026.

The core message: Russian citizens with ordinary passports can visit China visa-free for short stays during the trial year if they respect the rules, register where required, and depart on time. For many travelers, this is a welcome opening that could reshape China–Russia mobility if the trial performs well.