On September 15, 2025, China will introduce a visa-free regime for citizens of Russia. The corresponding notice was published on the official website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Moscow. This decision will significantly simplify travel plans for thousands of Russians wishing to visit the People's Republic of China.
Duration of the visa-free regime
The visa-free regime will be in effect for exactly one year:
• Start: 00:00 (Beijing time) September 15, 2025.
• End: 24:00 (Beijing time) September 14, 2026.
Conditions for visa-free entry to China
The right to visa-free entry can be used by holders of valid Russian international passports. Key conditions:
• Length of stay: No more than 30 days.
Permitted purposes of travel:
• Tourism and leisure.
• Business visits (conducting business, negotiations).
• Visiting relatives and friends.
• Short-term transit through the territory of China.
Who still needs a visa for China?
It is important to remember that the visa-free regime does not apply to all cases. You must apply for a visa in the standard manner if you:
- Plan to stay in the country for longer than 30 days.
- Are traveling for the purpose of work, study, or journalism.
- Do not meet other stated conditions.
The decision on the visa-free regime is an important step in strengthening tourism and business ties between Russia and China. Follow the latest news on our website.
There are also reports of plans to enable Russian tourists to pay with Mir cards and QR codes in China.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
On what date does the visa-free regime with China begin?
Answer: The visa-free regime for citizens of Russia will come into effect at 00:00 hours (Beijing time) on September 15, 2025. -
Until what date will the visa-free regime with China be in effect?
Answer: The visa-free entry decision is designed for one year. Its validity will end at 24:00 (Beijing time) on September 14, 2026. -
For how many days can I go to China without a visa?
Answer: The maximum period of continuous stay in China under the visa-free regime is no more than 30 days. -
Is an international passport required for visa-free entry to China?
Answer: Yes, a valid international passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation is required for visa-free entry. -
What purposes of travel to China are allowed without a visa?
Answer: The visa-free regime is permitted for tourism, business trips, visiting relatives or friends, as well as for transit through the territory of China. -
What should I do if I want to stay in China for more than 30 days?
Answer: If you plan to stay in China for more than 30 days or if your purpose of travel is not on the permitted list (e.g., work, study), you must apply for the appropriate visa in advance at the consular offices of China. -
Is any additional form or permit required?
Answer: Based on the current embassy notice, for trips up to 30 days with the stated purposes, a valid international passport is sufficient. Additional electronic permits (e-Visa) are not required. -
Does the visa-free regime apply to Hong Kong and Macao?
Answer: No, the visa-free regime is valid only for mainland China. Separate visa rules apply for visiting the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. -
Where was the official notice published?
Answer: The official announcement was posted on the official website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Russian Federation.
Photo source: https://ru.123rf.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
* The texts of the newsletters are intellectual property of Confidence Group, protected by the copyright laws of Russia. The information may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without linking to this web site or to pages of this website.
