Putin proposes permanent visa-free travel between Russia and China
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to work with China to make their visa-free travel regime permanent. He made the remark at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's willingness to collaborate with China on making visa-free travel between the two nations permanent during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. According to Interfax, Putin stated that Russia is prepared to work together if China deems it feasible and advantageous to extend the visa-free regime.
The meeting took place in Bishkek on the sidelines of the summit. Since the introduction of visa-free travel for Russian citizens by China in September 2025, tourist traffic between the countries has increased by 43% during the first half of 2026. Chinese authorities extended the visa-free travel for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027.
Both countries have also granted visa-free entry to their citizens, with stays permitted up to 30 days.
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