China had previously, and unilaterally, implemented a visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would introduce a visa-free regime with China. During the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), the Russian leader met with Li Hongzhong, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their unilateral decision to introduce visa-free travel for Russians.
The new regulations, allowing visits to China for up to 30 days without a visa, are set to take effect on September 15. This pilot program will run for one year.
“Russia will reciprocate this friendly gesture; we will do the same,” Putin stated.
Artur Muradyan, CEO of Space Travel tour operator and Vice-President of ATOR for international tourism, commented:
Artur Muradyan
CEO of Space Travel tour operator, Vice-President of ATOR for international tourism
“Chinese citizens lead in inbound tourism statistics, but most typically travel in groups. Now, we can anticipate a rise in independent travelers among those visiting Russia, and group formations will also become easier. We view this measure as highly beneficial for the entire tourism sector. It might even allow Russian tour businesses, specifically Russian operators, to compete more effectively for Chinese tourists. Currently, despite large volumes, traditional Russian inbound tour operators receive a small percentage of travelers because Chinese groups are often formed by companies with Chinese roots, effectively excluding us from the reception process. This opens up a new chapter for us in that market. Experience shows that for countries with which we`ve introduced visa-free travel in recent years, an increase in individual travelers is a key factor boosting their visits to our country. Chinese tourists are leaders in inbound flow; according to border service statistics, we have approximate parity. However, it`s crucial to understand that a significant portion of this data – for both Russian entries into China and Chinese entries into Russia – unfortunately includes numerous crossings by citizens of border regions. I believe the pure statistics will grow exponentially, potentially two to three times. Group travel traditionally focused on classic routes like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, and the Far East, especially border cities such as Khabarovsk and Amur Oblast. Now, their geographical scope will broaden. For instance, before COVID-19, a large number of Chinese tourists visited during winter to see the Northern Lights in Murmansk Oblast and experience a classic Russian winter. The factors of curiosity, accessibility, and direct flights could play a significant role, as younger generations of Chinese are less inclined to travel in groups, as we observe in the heart of our capital.”
Alexander Musikhin, head of the inbound tourism committee at the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), forecasts a 25% annual increase in tourist flow from China due to the visa-free announcement. However, the ultimate dynamics of tourist traffic will depend on the development of flight programs and carriers` pricing policies.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth