On the silk road: China introduces a visa-free regime for Russians from September 15

In September 2025, China will introduce a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens. This decision is aimed at simplifying travel, developing tourism and business cooperation between the two countries. The new procedure will allow Russians to visit the entire territory of China without a visa for 30 days using a regular (non-biometric) foreign passport. Details of the innovation can be found in the Izvestia article.

New rules of entry to China for Russians

Starting from September 15, 2025, a trial visa-free regime will be introduced for Russian citizens with valid regular passports, allowing them to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. The innovation will be valid until September 14, 2026.

The ability to enter without a visa will apply to the entire territory of China, unlike previous restrictions on certain regions, such as Hainan Island. At the same time, the regime is experimental, and its results will be evaluated for possible continuation or expansion.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a briefing that the decision to introduce a visa-free regime was due to the Chinese side's desire to strengthen and expand international cooperation and simplify travel for foreign citizens. In addition, visa-free entry helps to increase China's tourist attractiveness and develop business contacts.

During this period, the Chinese authorities will monitor the dynamics of tourist and business trips, as well as assess the impact on cross-border cooperation. Based on the results of the experiment, it is possible to make a decision on a full-scale visa-free regime or adjustments in the conditions of entry of Russian citizens.

What kind of visa is needed to travel to China now

In 2025, Russians will need to apply for a special visa to enter China. Exceptions are cases of staying in the special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China — Hong Kong (up to 14 days) and Macau (up to 30 days), as well as visiting Hainan Island as part of a tourist group for up to 30 days, where visa-free entry is allowed.

In addition, Russians can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa during transit transfers at airports. However, such visa-free transit is valid only if you have tickets to a third country and follow the route through the authorized cities and provinces of China. For all other cases, including individual travel, long-term stay and business trips, a visa remains mandatory. The visa is issued at Chinese consulates and visa centers in Russia.

What types of visas to China exist

Various types of visas are available to Russians to enter China in 2025, depending on the purpose and duration of the trip. The main categories include the following:

— Tourist visa (category L). It is intended for short-term tourism and sightseeing. It is usually issued for a stay of up to 30 days;

— Business visa (category M). It is issued for entrepreneurs, business trips, participation in exhibitions and negotiations. To receive it, you need an invitation from a Chinese company and a travel plan.;

— Work visa (category Z). It is issued for official employment in China. The employer must obtain permission to hire a foreign specialist. The visa is intended for specialists in IT, medicine, finance and other professional fields. Work without such a visa is strictly prohibited and is punishable by fines and deportation.;

— Student visa (category X, X1 and X2). It is intended for studying at Chinese universities and exchange programs. Visa X1 — for studies of more than 180 days, X2 — for short-term programs of up to 180 days. Requires an official invitation from an educational institution;

— Family visa (category Q1 and Q2). It is issued for reunification with relatives living in China. Q1 is intended for long—term stays, and Q2 is intended for short-term stays (up to 180 days).

Each visa has its own requirements and specifics for submitting documents, as well as the time of registration and stay. The total validity period of a standard single-entry tourist visa is usually 3 months with a right of stay of up to 30 days. It is also possible to obtain double and multiple entry visas with a longer duration and duration of stay in the country.