Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
According to a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 1 local time, Chinese citizens can visit Russia visa-free for tourism and business trips until September 14, 2026, inclusive. The visa-free period is 30 days. This news immediately attracted the attention of both tourists and representatives of the Chinese tourism industry.
"The visa-free regime will attract more Chinese tourists to Russia. We expect a significant increase in bookings of air tickets, hotels, and tour packages in Russia. This policy will also contribute to improving the quality and level of cross-border tourism cooperation between China and Russia," said Wang Jingying, an analyst at the Ctrip Research Institute.
Fliggy data shows that after the announcement of visa-free travel, the number of flight searches to Russia on the platform increased significantly. Moscow, Murmansk, St. Petersburg, and other cities have become popular destinations for Chinese tourists.
Li Mengran, marketing and public relations manager for U-Tour, told reporters that the company will focus on developing special tourism routes and products, such as Northern Lights tours in Russia and winter activity programs.
According to Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the majority of Chinese tourists currently traveling to Russia are in groups. Following the introduction of the visa-free regime, a significant increase in the number of independent travelers is expected.
"Before the introduction of the visa-free regime, the number of requests for tourism products in Russia had already increased significantly, and tourists' desire to visit the country continues to grow," noted SpringTour Deputy General Director Zhou Weihong.
According to her, many winter-themed tours to Russia for the period from January to February 2026, including the Spring Festival, are already sold out. With the introduction of a visa-free regime, the company plans to launch special train tours to Russia, offering tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of leisurely travel. The company will also explore new tourist destinations in Russia.
According to Cheng Chaogong, chief analyst at Tongcheng Travel Research Institute, the visa-free regime is in effect during the peak winter outbound tourism season, and interest in traveling to Russia is expected to reach a record high during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays next year.
Winter travel across ice and snow in Russia is very attractive. In recent years, it has become especially popular among young Chinese tourists. In some Russian cities, you can observe the northern lights, go snowmobiling, see whales in the Arctic Ocean, and encounter reindeer, offering unique experiences.
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