China’s decision to temporarily allow visa-free entry for Russian citizens has been hailed by Russia’s travel industry as a game-changer for tourism.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The policy covers business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs, and transit travel.
The Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), quoted by RIA Novosti, described the move as “amazing news” that will fundamentally reshape how Russians plan their trips to China. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia expects tourist flows to rise by 30 to 40 percent as a result.
Industry experts say the impact is already visible. Alexander Bragin, director of the Association of Travel Aggregators, noted that search queries for flights and accommodation in China have doubled since the announcement. “We won’t see actual bookings until tomorrow, but demand could rise by 30 percent or more,” he said.
Data from Russia’s Federal Security Service shows that 836,600 Russians traveled to China for tourism and private visits in the first half of 2025, a 38.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. With the visa-free trial in place, industry players expect this momentum to accelerate further.
