China Launches Visa-Free Access for Russian Citizens on a Trial Basis

China has announced a new visa-free entry policy for Russian nationals as part of ongoing efforts to grow bilateral relations and promote cross-border movement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun shared the decision during a press briefing held on September 2 in Beijing.

Starting September 15, 2025, and continuing through September 14, 2026, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports will be permitted to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. The exemption covers purposes including business travel, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.

According to Guo, the move is part of a broader effort to expand China’s visa-free program to include more nations. He stated that the goal is to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and simplify entry procedures for foreign visitors. Russia is the latest addition to a growing list of countries benefitting from this initiative.

Guo emphasized that the development aligns with the strategic vision outlined by the heads of state from both China and Russia. He described the current state of China-Russia relations as stable and productive. He added that China values its partnership with Russia and aims to create more opportunities for engagement at both the governmental and citizen levels.

The policy is expected to boost tourism and business traffic between the two countries. It may also serve as a signal of China’s broader regional diplomacy as it looks to increase openness and economic collaboration across Eurasia.

Guo concluded by welcoming Russian visitors to explore China more often and contribute to stronger bilateral ties in the years ahead.