China to Extend Visa-Free Entry for Russian Citizens by One More Year, Ambassador Calls for Permanent Deal

China to extend visa-free entry for Russian citizens by one more year – ambassador calls for permanent deal.

Beijing , April 6, 2026 — China has signalled its readiness to extend the visa waiver program for Russian passport holders for another full year, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed.

The announcement, reported by the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia, comes as both countries seek to deepen bilateral ties and boost people-to-people exchanges following the successful one-year trial that began in September 2025.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Chinese partners have already expressed willingness to maintain the current visa-free arrangements. Negotiations are now underway to finalise the technical details of the extension.

Background of the Visa Waiver Program

In September 2025, Beijing launched a one-year pilot program allowing Russian citizens to visit China for up to 30 days without a visa for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, and educational exchanges.

In response, President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order introducing reciprocal visa-free travel for Chinese nationals visiting Russia.

Both programs were originally scheduled to expire on September 14, 2026. The latest development means Russian citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free access well into 2027, subject to final confirmation.

Ambassador Zhang Hanhui Pushes for Permanent Arrangement

China’s Ambassador to Moscow, Zhang Hanhui, told Russia’s state-run TASS news agency on Sunday that he hopes the visa-free regime becomes permanent, describing it as “beneficial for the people of both countries” and highlighting the “many benefits” it has already delivered.

The ambassador noted that the arrangement has significantly boosted tourism, business cooperation, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Surge in Interest Driven by Geopolitical Factors

Russia’s decision to lift visa requirements for Chinese citizens, combined with rising diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, has triggered a notable surge in Chinese searches and bookings for travel to Russia.

At the same time, Russian travellers have taken full advantage of the visa-free access to China, with many using the 30-day window for business trips, family visits, and leisure travel to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Harbin.

Tourism industry sources in both countries report increased demand for flights, hotels, and guided tours under the visa-free scheme.

Practical Implications for Travellers

Under the current (and likely extended) program:

• Russian citizens can stay in China for up to 30 days visa-free for eligible purposes.

• The waiver applies to ordinary passport holders and covers multiple entry possibilities within the allowed period.

• Travellers must still carry a valid passport and may be asked to provide proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.

• The program does not replace the need for visas for longer stays or certain types of work/study activities.

Russian authorities have advised citizens to monitor official updates, as final details of the extension are still being coordinated.

Broader Context of Russia-China Relations

The visa waiver extension fits into a wider pattern of deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. In recent years, the two countries have expanded cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and tourism as both face Western sanctions and geopolitical pressures.

The move is also seen as part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with friendly nations while offering its citizens more travel options amid global uncertainties.

What to Expect Next

Russian and Chinese officials are expected to finalise the extension details in the coming weeks. If approved, the visa-free regime could be prolonged until at least September 2027, with a strong possibility of it becoming a permanent feature of bilateral relations.

Travel agencies in both countries are already preparing for increased demand, with many offering special packages tailored to visa-free travellers.

For the latest Russia-China visa updates, travel advisories, and bilateral immigration developments in 2026, explore our complete collection here: Russia & China Visa & Immigration Updates

The planned extension of the visa waiver program marks another positive chapter in Russia-China relations and is expected to bring significant benefits for tourism, business, and people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

Russian citizens planning travel to China in the coming months are advised to stay updated through official channels and prepare their documents accordingly.