China to trial visa-free policy for Russian travellers starting 15 September 2025

閱讀中文版本

Ordinary passport holders from Russia will be able to enter China visa-free and stay for up to 30 days.

China has decided to expand its visa waiver programme and extend the visa-free policy to Russian travellers on a trial basis from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026, according to a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry at the Regular Press Conference held on 2 September 2025.

Under the new arrangement, ordinary passport holders from Russia can be exempted from a visa to enter China, and stay for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange, and transit.

The spokesperson emphasised China’s commitment to facilitating cross-border travel and strengthening exchanges between the two countries.

“We welcome more friends from Russia to visit China,” he said.

This development follows a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Putin attended China's Victory Day military parade.