China to extend visa-free policy for Russian citizens until 2027

Beijing — China has decided to extend its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until 31 December 2027, stated Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday. “To further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia, China has decided to extend the visa-free policy for Russian citizens until 31 December 2027,” Guo said during a press conference. He added that Russian citizens holding ordinary foreign passports may enter China without a visa for stays of no more than 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and transit. China introduced the 30-day visa-free programme for Russian citizens holding ordinary foreign passports one year prior, starting 15 September 2025. In December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Chinese citizens to enter Russian territory without a visa for up to 30 days on a reciprocal basis until 14 September 2026.