According to Guo Jiankun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this decision is part of a policy to expand visa-free travel for citizens of several countries and aims to deepen humanitarian exchanges and simplify mutual travel.
During the trial period, Russian citizens will be able to stay in mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days. This is a significant expansion of visa-free travel opportunities, as previously, Russians could only visit special regions such as Hong Kong (up to 14 days), Macau, and Hainan Island (up to 30 days) without a visa. Travel to other parts of the country required a visa.
It is worth noting that in 2023, group visa-free travel (for groups of five or more) resumed between the two countries, which had been suspended during the pandemic. The new measure will be the next step in the liberalization of the visa regime and will affect individual travelers.
This decision is expected to boost tourist arrivals, facilitate business contacts, and strengthen bilateral relations.
