Chinese citizens will be able to enter Russia without a visa until 31 December 2027, following a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. The new directive, published on Russia’s official legal information portal, took effect on July 20.
Previously, the simplified entry procedure was set to expire on 14 September 2026.
According to the new order, Chinese travelers can enter Russia with just their international passport and are permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
This decision mirrors reciprocal measures taken by China, which introduced a visa-free regime for Russian citizens starting 15 September 2025.
In May 2026, Beijing extended the program through the end of 2027.
During his official visit to China in May, Putin reaffirmed that both countries remain committed to maintaining a mutual visa-free policy, saying the relaxed border rules should help “bolster business ties between the nations.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s dependence on sanctioned technology imports from China has reportedly reached 90%.
In a move described as “strategic,” Putin also secured an agreement from Chinese President Xi Jinping allowing the export of reindeer from Russia to China.
