China and Russia Extend Visa-Free Travel Agreement Through 2027

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending visa-free entry for Chinese citizens through December 31, 2027, according to a document published Friday on the official legal information portal. The move extends the previous arrangement, which was set to expire on September 14, 2026, by more than a year.

The updated policy, outlined in an amendment to an earlier presidential decree from December 2025, applies to group tourist exchanges and certain business travelers. Both countries have been gradually expanding reciprocal visa-free access since 2023, aiming to boost tourism and cross-border economic ties. China’s government has already confirmed it will match the extension on its end.

During Putin’s official visit to Beijing in May, he and Chinese leaders pledged to continue the visa-free practice as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. The announcement comes as travel between the two nations continues to recover from pandemic-era restrictions, with direct flights and border crossings seeing steady increases. For travelers, the extended waiver means less paperwork and lower costs when planning trips to Russia’s major cities or the Far East.