This initiative is being implemented as a pilot program, effective for 1 year, with a deadline of 12pm (local time) on September 14, 2026.
The consulate general said that visa exemptions include tourism purposes, work, visits to relatives and friends and transit. For work, study or journalism activities, as well as for drivers, delivery and transportation of goods, visas will still be required.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in China stressed that there is no limit on the number of entries or total length of stay in China in 1 year, but the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intention to leave China.
Not stopping there, in special humanitarian cases, entry can still be allowed with a shorter validity period.
According to a Russian source, plans to support Russian tourists to pay by Mir card and QR code in China are also being considered.
The new regime is applied at all open border gates, allowing Russian visitors to freely explore almost the entire country. The only exception is traditional areas that are restricted to foreigners, such as Tibet.
