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Do China citizens need a visa for Russia?

Visa-free · 30 days (temporary, until 31 December 2027)

For an ordinary China passport visiting Russia for tourism, business, or transit (short stay up to 30 days).

Reviewed and cross-checked· Last verified 2 August 2026

Short-stay rules at a glance

Visa requirement
Visa-free
Max stay
30 days (temporary, until 31 December 2027)
Entry type
All ports of entry
Passport validity
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Requirements
  • Ordinary PRC passport — the regime does not cover other passport categories
Notes
Temporary reciprocal visa-free regime for ordinary PRC passport holders, set by Presidential Decree No. 872 of 1 December 2025 and extended to 31 December 2027 inclusive by Decree No. 499 of 20 July 2026. Re-verify before that date — the waiver lapses unless renewed again.

Special rules & exceptions

  • Covers guest and business visits, tourism, transit, and participation in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic or sporting events.
  • Does not cover entry for work (including journalistic activity), study, or residence — a visa is required for those purposes.
  • Does not cover persons carrying out international road haulage: drivers, vehicle crew, freight forwarders, and interpreters accompanying those vehicles.

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Frequently asked questions

Do China citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
Based on GoMate's data verified against official and consular sources, the short-stay rule for an ordinary China passport entering Russia is "Visa-free", for stays of up to 30 days (temporary, until 31 December 2027). This covers short visits for tourism, business, or transit. Entry requirements can change, so always confirm with the Russia embassy before traveling.
How long can China citizens stay in Russia?
Under current regulations, China passport holders may stay in Russia for up to 30 days (temporary, until 31 December 2027) per entry on a short-stay basis (tourism, business, or transit). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so plan to leave within the permitted period.
How do China citizens apply for a Russia visa, step by step?
No advance application is required. China passport holders can travel to Russia and present a valid passport at the border for short stays covering tourism, business, or transit. Be ready to provide: Ordinary PRC passport — the regime does not cover other passport categories. Always confirm the current requirements with the Russia embassy before traveling.
What documents do China citizens need to enter Russia?
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Additional requirements: Ordinary PRC passport — the regime does not cover other passport categories. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as these may be checked at the border.
Can China citizens work in Russia on this entry?
No. Short-stay entry to Russia is intended for tourism, business meetings, and transit — it does not permit paid employment. To work in Russia, China citizens need a separate work visa or permit arranged in advance.
Can China citizens extend their stay in Russia?
The 30 days (temporary, until 31 December 2027) short-stay limit is generally firm. Extensions are sometimes possible by applying to the Russia immigration authorities before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so do not rely on it.
Is this Russia visa rule for China citizens up to date?
This rule was last reviewed on 2 August 2026. Visa policies change frequently — always confirm the final requirements with the Russia embassy or government before you travel.
Visa policies change without notice. Always confirm the final requirements directly with the Russia embassy or government before travel.