Russia's Visa-Free Pact with China Sees Immediate Surge in Travel

A new visa-free arrangement between Russia and China is already showing significant results, with the number of Chinese visitors to Russia doubling in its first two months. Alexey Klimov, Director of the Consular Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, shared the preliminary data, noting the full tourist wave is expected with the arrival of spring. The policy, enacted by presidential decree in December 2025, has so far proceeded without any major complications for travelers in either direction, according to officials.

Klimov's interview also addressed a pressing travel document issue for Russians heading to Europe. He confirmed that several EU nations, including Poland, Germany, and France, now refuse entry to Russians holding older, non-biometric passports valid for five years. The Foreign Ministry warns this practice could extend to other EU states and strongly advises travelers to verify entry rules directly with consular sources before any trip. Assistance is extremely limited if a traveler is denied entry due to an invalid passport.

In response, Russians living abroad are increasingly applying for the newer, ten-year biometric passports. Data from 2025 shows over 80% of passports issued at Russian embassies and consulates worldwide were of this type, a trend officials expect to continue.

Separately, Klimov noted that work continues on a draft travel agreement with North Korea, though details remain unclear. On citizenship, the number of people obtaining Russian citizenship abroad saw a minor increase in 2025, with the vast majority being children. The figures for applicants from so-called 'unfriendly' countries, and specifically Ukraine, showed no substantial change.