China extends visa-free policy for Russian tourists

International

Trial period from Sept. 15, 2025, to Sept. 14, 2026 / Ordinary passport holders allowed 30-day stay without visa

China has confirmed that Russian citizens holding ordinary passports will be able to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, starting 15 September 2025.

One-year trial policy

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced that the policy will run on a trial basis until 14 September 2026. It will apply to Russian visitors traveling for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchanges, or transit purposes.

Strengthening bilateral ties

Guo underlined that Russia and China continue to engage in “friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation” in areas including energy, based on principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Response to U.S. remarks

Commenting on recent statements by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who criticized the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China as “largely performative” and accused India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil purchases, Guo stressed China’s balanced approach.

“On the Ukraine crisis, China has always upheld an objective and impartial position. We have always been fair and square, and that is for all to see,” he said.

Record-breaking SCO summit

Guo also highlighted the significance of the Tianjin summit, describing it as “the largest in scale and the most productive in the history of the SCO.”