China’s decision to grant 30-day visa-free entry to ordinary Russian passport holders is already reshaping inbound travel flows only two months into the one-year trial (Sept 15 2025 – Sept 14 2026). Data cited by the National Immigration Administration and major OTAs show Russian arrivals jumped 40 % in September-October, with overall 2025 volumes now forecast to top two million visitors. Demand is concentrated in Hainan, which expects half a million Russian guests this year, but secondary cities such as Harbin, Guangzhou and Henan’s cultural attractions are also recording double-digit growth.
Background: Moscow and Beijing have long discussed reciprocal facilitation, but Beijing’s unilateral move reflects a broader post-pandemic strategy of targeted visa-waivers to revive tourism and people-to-people ties. Russia is the first G-20 market to receive 30-day access; European travellers currently receive 15-day exemptions.
![Surge in Russian Arrivals After China’s New Visa-Free Policy]()
Business impact: hotels, inbound tour operators and carriers such as Hainan Airlines and Aeroflot are adding capacity on Moscow-Haikou, Vladivostok-Harbin and St Petersburg-Beijing sectors. Duty-free retailer China Duty Free Group says Russian spending in Hainan rose 62 % YoY in October. For corporate mobility managers the policy simplifies short-term assignments and factory visits in northeastern border provinces.
Practical tips: travellers must enter through any international port, carry insurance and register with local police within 24 hours. Overstay fines (RMB 500/day, max RMB 10 000) still apply. Russian citizens needing longer stays or paid employment must secure the appropriate visa or work permit beforehand.
Looking ahead: if visitor volumes meet the two-million target and security risks remain low, officials hint the waiver could be extended or replicated for other BRICS partners. Businesses dependent on Russian clientele should prepare for volatile demand if the pilot is not renewed next September.
Background: Moscow and Beijing have long discussed reciprocal facilitation, but Beijing’s unilateral move reflects a broader post-pandemic strategy of targeted visa-waivers to revive tourism and people-to-people ties. Russia is the first G-20 market to receive 30-day access; European travellers currently receive 15-day exemptions.
Business impact: hotels, inbound tour operators and carriers such as Hainan Airlines and Aeroflot are adding capacity on Moscow-Haikou, Vladivostok-Harbin and St Petersburg-Beijing sectors. Duty-free retailer China Duty Free Group says Russian spending in Hainan rose 62 % YoY in October. For corporate mobility managers the policy simplifies short-term assignments and factory visits in northeastern border provinces.
Practical tips: travellers must enter through any international port, carry insurance and register with local police within 24 hours. Overstay fines (RMB 500/day, max RMB 10 000) still apply. Russian citizens needing longer stays or paid employment must secure the appropriate visa or work permit beforehand.
Looking ahead: if visitor volumes meet the two-million target and security risks remain low, officials hint the waiver could be extended or replicated for other BRICS partners. Businesses dependent on Russian clientele should prepare for volatile demand if the pilot is not renewed next September.
