China Introduces Trial Visa-Free Policy for Russian Citizens, Expected to Boost Tourism

Strategic Insights -

China has announced a trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or exchange visits and transit. The policy is set to start on September 15, 2025, and is expected to significantly boost tourist numbers from Russia. According to forecasts, the number of Russian tourists visiting China could rise by 30 to 40 percent, while search queries for flights and accommodation in China have already doubled since the announcement. The policy is seen as a positive development for tourism between the two countries, with Russian travel industry officials hailing it as "amazing news" that will change the way Russians approach travel in China.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens will allow stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or exchange visits and transit.
  • The policy is expected to boost tourist numbers from Russia by 30 to 40 percent.
  • Search queries for flights and accommodation in China have doubled since the announcement of the pilot visa-free policy.
  • According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the number of Russian tourists visiting China could rise by 30 percent or more.
  • Alexander Bragin, director of the Association of Travel Aggregators, forecasts demand for travel to China could rise by 30 percent or more.
  • The policy is seen as a positive development for tourism between China and Russia, with Russian travel industry officials hailing it as "amazing news".
  • The Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) views the policy as a significant change in Russian tourists' approach to traveling in China.

Statistics:

  • 836,600 Russians visited China for tourism and private purposes in the first half of 2025, up 38.5 percent from the same period a year earlier (Source: Russia's Federal Security Service).
  • The number of search queries for flights and accommodation in China has doubled since the announcement of the pilot visa-free policy (Source: Alexander Bragin, director of the Association of Travel Aggregators).
  • Demand for travel to China could rise by 30 percent or more, according to forecasts (Source: Association of Tour Operators of Russia).
  • The policy is expected to boost tourist flows from Russia by 30 to 40 percent, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Sources:

  • Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) (as cited by RIA Novosti)
  • Association of Tour Operators of Russia
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2025)
  • Russia's Federal Security Service