Moscow and Beijing Eye Permanent Visa-Free Travel

Russia and China are in talks to make their current visa-free travel arrangement a permanent fixture, according to a senior Russian diplomat. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed that the two countries are actively discussing the possibility of cementing visa-free exchanges for their citizens on an ongoing basis.

The discussions come as part of a broader push by Moscow to loosen travel restrictions with several Asian nations. Rudenko added that Russia is working on interstate agreements to liberalize travel with Indonesia and Malaysia, and expects to soon launch group visa-free tourism exchanges with Vietnam. These moves signal a strategic effort to boost tourism and bilateral ties across the region.

The current visa-free system between Russia and China began as a temporary measure. Last September, China introduced a 30-day visa-free policy for Russian tourists, set to last one year. Russia reciprocated in December. In May, Beijing extended its offer through December 31, 2027. Just this Monday, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree matching that extension for Chinese citizens visiting Russia. If the permanent deal goes through, it would eliminate the need for repeated renewals and provide long-term certainty for travelers.