China has announced that Russian citizens will be able to travel visa-free for a one-year trial period beginning September 15, according to reports from Russian media on Tuesday.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry official confirmed that the new arrangement applies to Russian passport holders and allows them to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. The policy will initially run for one year on a trial basis.
Previously, only Russians with diplomatic or official passports, as well as organized tour groups under a bilateral agreement, were eligible for visa-free entry.
The announcement coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s four-day state visit to China, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ close partnership and pledged to strengthen economic and political cooperation.
China has emerged as Russia’s strongest international ally amid Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine, deepening ties in trade, energy, and defense.
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