Extension of visa-free travel between Russia and China until the end of 2027

China has officially extended its unilateral visa-free travel for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027. The corresponding information was published by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current arrangement was initially expected to expire at the end of 2026, but the decision was made to extend it for another year. Russia simultaneously extended a similar visa-free travel for Chinese citizens, confirming both countries’ commitment to further developing bilateral cooperation.

The main conditions of the visa-free regime remain the same:

• Russian citizens can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa;
• the regime applies to travel for the purposes of tourism, business visits, visiting relatives and friends, participation in cultural, educational and exchange events, as well as transit;
• Multiple entries are permitted during the validity period of the regime, without restrictions on the number of trips, subject to the maximum length of stay for each trip.

The extension of the visa-free regime creates more predictable conditions for both citizens and businesses. Companies can now organize business trips for employees, conduct negotiations with Chinese partners, and participate in exhibitions, conferences, and other events without the additional time and financial costs associated with visas. This is especially relevant given the expansion of Russian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation and the growing number of joint projects.

The practical significance of the solution for business is as follows:

• administrative procedures for organizing business trips are reduced;
• costs and preparation times for business trips are reduced;
• participation in negotiations, industry exhibitions and other international events is simplified;
• Favorable conditions for the development of foreign economic activity with Chinese counterparties remain.

Extending the visa-free regime also has implications for the tourism industry. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the introduction of a mutually simplified entry procedure has already contributed to an increase in tourism between the countries. By the end of 2025, the number of mutual trips exceeded 3 million, and Russia plans to increase this figure to 5.5 million by 2030, in part due to increased tourist flow to the Far East.

Meanwhile, work to further liberalize the regime continues. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties are discussing the possibility of establishing the visa-free regime on a permanent basis, without the need for regular extensions. If the relevant agreements are reached, this will create long-term and stable conditions for the development of business, tourism, and humanitarian ties between Russia and China.

Thus, extending the visa-free regime until the end of 2027 ensures the preservation of existing conditions for the free movement of citizens of both countries and creates additional opportunities for the development of international cooperation. For businesses, this means maintaining the simplified procedure for organizing business trips, and for individuals, more accessible conditions for tourism and private travel.