Russian Tourists Flock to China After Visa-Free Travel Opens

More than 1.4 million Russians have traveled to China since the two countries scrapped visa requirements, a move that boosted cross-border tourism by 35%, according to Moscow’s top consular official. Alexei Klimov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s consular department, told RIA Novosti that the numbers are a direct result of the visa-free policy introduced on September 15, 2025. “China, which lifted visa formalities for Russians, has welcomed over 1.4 million of our citizens,” Klimov said. “Mutual tourist traffic has increased by 35% as a direct consequence.” He added that talks are underway to make the arrangement permanent. “Easing travel for citizens is a priority in our dialogue with Chinese partners. We are discussing the possibility of a permanent intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel,” Klimov noted. China initially launched a one-year trial allowing Russians to stay up to 30 days without a visa. In December, President Vladimir Putin signed a reciprocal decree letting Chinese citizens visit Russia visa-free for up to 30 days through September 14, 2026. During a May visit to Beijing, Putin said both nations would continue the practice. Chinese authorities have already announced they will extend visa-free access for Russians through December 31, 2027. The surge in travel reflects growing ties between the neighbors, with tourism emerging as a clear winner of the streamlined border policies.