Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order extending the visa-free entry regime for Chinese citizens until December 31, 2027. The decision builds on the previous visa-free arrangement, which had been set to expire on September 14, 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Regular Meetings Between Heads of Government, described the move as “not merely a diplomatic step” but one that “establishes unprecedented conditions for the expansion of business ties, tourism, youth exchanges, as well as collaboration in science and sports”. The extension reaffirms the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in light of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
Official data shows that over the past year, approximately two million Russians visited China, while about one million Chinese citizens traveled to Russia. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the number of Russian tourists to China increased by 60 percent, while Chinese tourist arrivals to Russia grew by 25 percent. By the end of 2027, mutual trips are expected to reach up to six million.
The extension has been met with approval from the tourism industry. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) noted that the prolonged visa-free agreement allows tour operators and regions to plan their operations with the Chinese market on a long-term basis rather than for just one season. Artur Muradyan, ATOR Vice President for International Tourism, observed that while Hainan Island previously remained the primary tourism product, “interest in mainland China and combined routes — such as Hainan plus mainland regions — is currently growing rapidly”.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an article marking the treaty’s anniversary, confirmed that mutual tourism between the two countries is growing at double-digit rates, significantly supported by the existing visa-free travel regime.
China has reciprocated by extending its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027 as well. Russian citizens holding ordinary passports are permitted to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
