China and Russia Push to Cement Visa-Free Travel as Exchanges Surge

Top Chinese diplomat Mao Ning declared the mutual visa-free agreement between Beijing and Moscow a clear success, boosting people-to-people ties. Speaking Wednesday, she confirmed Beijing's readiness to keep working with Russia on making the arrangement permanent.

The comments came after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko revealed the two countries are actively exploring ways to lock in visa-free travel on a permanent basis. Currently, the reciprocal policy allows stays of up to 30 days. China initially introduced the exemption for Russian citizens last September, with Russia following suit in December. Both nations have since extended the program through December 31, 2027 — China in May and Russia via a presidential decree signed by Vladimir Putin just this Monday.

Mao Ning told reporters the visa-free mechanism has played a positive role in facilitating mutual travel and promoting humanitarian exchanges. The push for permanence signals a deepening of bilateral ties, especially in tourism and business travel. For travelers, the prospect of a permanent, no-hassle border crossing between the two countries would mark a major shift — and a welcome one for vacationers and professionals alike. With both governments racing to lock in the policy, cross-border visits are expected to keep climbing.