Russia has introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens for stays of up to 30 days, following a decree signed Monday by President Vladimir Putin on the basis of reciprocity with Beijing. The measure took effect immediately.

Under the decree, valid through Sept 14, 2026, holders of regular Chinese passports may enter Russia for short stays of no more than 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business travel, family visits, participation in cultural, scientific, economic, socio-political or sports events, or for transit. No visa will be required for these categories.

The exemption, however, does not apply to Chinese citizens seeking to work, study or reside in Russia, nor to those involved in international road transport as drivers, crew members, freight forwarders or interpreters.

Tourism industry representatives in Moscow said the policy is expected to significantly boost arrivals from China. Alexander Musikhin, vice president for inbound tourism at the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, predicted a 30–40 percent rise in Chinese tourists during the summer season.

The decree will also spur independent travel and business visits, said Alexander Bragin of the Russian Association of Travel Aggregators, who estimated that individual arrivals could increase by up to twofold. He noted that the policy is likely to improve hotel occupancy even during off-peak months.

Nikita Kondratyev of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development said China already accounts for the highest number of inbound tourist trips to Russia. With the new visa-free system in place, he expects the number of Chinese visitors to exceed 2 million next year.

China, for its part, began a one-year trial of a similar 30-day visa-free scheme for Russian citizens on Sept 15, covering travel for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit.