Russia Extends Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Tourists Through 2027

Russia has officially extended its visa-free travel policy for Chinese citizens until December 31, 2027, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin and published on the government's legal information portal. The move replaces an earlier temporary arrangement that was set to expire on September 14, 2026. The new decree took effect immediately upon signing.

The extension comes as a welcome boost for tourism between the two nations. Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, noted that the visa-free regime has already driven a 20 to 30 percent increase in mutual tourist traffic in 2026, depending on the season. He pointed out that China has now climbed into the top five destinations for outbound Russian travelers.

For Chinese tourists, this means continued hassle-free access to Russia's iconic destinations—from Moscow's Red Square to St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum—without the need to apply for a visa. The policy is expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties and support the recovery of both countries' travel sectors. Travel advisors recommend booking early for peak seasons, as demand is rising steadily.