Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting Chinese citizens visa-free entry to Russia for tourism and business trips of up to 30 days until September 14, 2026, based on the principle of reciprocity.
“It is established that, until September 14, 2026, inclusive, taking into account the principle of reciprocity. Citizens of the People’s Republic of China have the right to enter the Russian Federation and stay in the Russian Federation for no more than 30 days on a guest or business visit, as tourists, to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, and sporting events. As well as to transit through the territory of the Russian Federation and exit the Russian Federation visa-free, using a regular passport of a citizen of the People’s Republic of China,” the decree states.
However, this measure does not apply to Chinese citizens entering Russia for work, residence, or education.
As a reminder, China previously made a similar decision: to introduce a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding regular passports from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026. According to this decision, Russian citizens holding valid passports can visit China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanging visits, and transit. However, their visa-free stay in China cannot exceed 30 days.
