In a groundbreaking move to deepen ties between Beijing and Moscow, Chinese nationals will soon be able to travel to Russia without the need for a visa. The announcement was confirmed by President Vladimir Putin during a high-level meeting in Vladivostok on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.
The talks took place with Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. President Putin expressed appreciation for what he called a “very kind gesture” from Beijing—the decision to allow Russians visa-free entry into China.
Earlier this week, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially declared a one-year visa waiver program for Russian citizens, running from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026. Under the scheme, Russian travelers can stay in China for up to 30 days per visit.
Calling the initiative a “significant step” in bilateral relations, Putin noted that the subject was not even discussed during his private talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, highlighting how special and unexpected the gesture was.
“This is far from ordinary, as it directly impacts hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of our citizens,” Putin remarked. He stressed that the move will not only boost tourism but also enhance business, professional, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The Russian leader asked Li Hongzhong to pass along his warm regards and gratitude to President Xi and the Chinese leadership. He also assured that Russia will respond with reciprocal measures, signaling that a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens visiting Russia is on the way.
In addition, Putin praised China for its role in hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and for the “timely and far-reaching initiatives” proposed by President Xi, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation between the two nations.
This visa-free agreement marks a new chapter in China-Russia relations and is expected to create stronger tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections in the years ahead.
