Russia and China Extend Visa-Free Regime Through End of 2027

Russia intends to negotiate a permanent visa-free regime with China, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said in an interview with Izvestia.

Rudenko reported that they agreed "to extend the visa-free regime for another year," and noted that the president issued a corresponding decree in response to steps taken by Chinese partners. He added that while the sides are proceeding along the path of annual extensions, they have also expressed interest in negotiating a permanent visa-free entry mechanism.

According to a decree by Russia's president signed on December 1, 2025, Chinese citizens are permitted to enter Russia without visas for up to 30 days on a reciprocal basis through the end of 2027. The sides subsequently extended visa-free entry through the end of 2027.

China's Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui reported that the number of Chinese tourists who visited Russia increased by nearly 50% in the first quarter of 2026 following the removal of visa requirements.