China 30-Day Visa-Free for Russians (Sept 15, 2025)
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9/2/2025
China 30-Day Visa-Free for Russian Citizens (Sept 15, 2025) — Clear Guide
Snapshot
China plans to allow visa-free entry for Russian citizens with ordinary passports for stays of up to 30 days starting September 15, 2025, under a one-year trial. Below is what is confirmed, what is usually clarified at launch, and how to prepare so your trip runs smoothly.
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What changed vs before
- New: planned visa-free entry up to 30 days per visit (trial window: one year from launch).
- Before: Mainland entry required a visa; separate regimes for Hong Kong and Macau, plus a 240-hour transit program, already existed.
What is confirmed and what is pending
- Confirmed now: start date (Sept 15, 2025), trial duration (one year), stay length per entry (up to 30 days).
- Pending at launch: permitted purposes (tourism, family visit, short business), single vs multiple entry rules, any cumulative stay caps (e.g., per 180 days), and hotel/host registration details for private stays.
Quick comparison (Mainland & SAR options)
| Option | Stay | Passport | Core conditions | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland visa-free (trial) | Up to 30 days | Ordinary | Starts Sept 15, 2025; final rules published at launch | Mainland China (national policy) |
| Visa-free transit | Up to 240 hours | Ordinary | Eligible routes only; remain within designated region | Mainland (selected cities/ports) |
| Hong Kong SAR | Up to 14 days | Ordinary | Separate entry regime from Mainland | Hong Kong |
| Macau SAR | Up to 30 days | Ordinary | Separate entry regime from Mainland | Macau |
How to prepare (simple and practical)
- Pick your dates. If arrival is before Sept 15, plan for a visa. If on/after Sept 15, follow the launch notice and keep a copy.
- Build a clean file. Passport (ideally 6+ months on entry), return ticket within 30 days, hotel booking or host address, travel insurance.
- Registration. Hotels typically register foreign guests automatically; private stays often require self-registration within 24 hours.
- Payments. Carry a physical bank card; many travelers also bind cards to local wallets for QR payments.
Today vs tomorrow: which route to use
Traveling now: use a visa or the 240-hour transit program if your route qualifies.
Traveling after Sept 15: the visa-free trial should be simpler for short trips (tourism, family, short meetings), provided your documents match the notice.
Documents checklist (one folder, clear names)
- Passport scan (PDF), itinerary, hotel booking or host address
- Return or onward ticket within 30 days
- Travel insurance policy
- Invitation or contact details (if visiting family/partners)
FAQ
When does the visa-free start? September 15, 2025, for a one-year trial period.
How long can I stay per entry? Up to 30 days per visit.
Is it single or multiple entry? To be confirmed at launch. Many visa-free frameworks count each entry separately and may cap days across 180 days.
Do I need hotel/host registration? Hotels usually register guests automatically; private stays often require self-registration within 24 hours.
Can I still use visa-free transit? Yes. The 240-hour transit program continues as a separate option.
Expert comment
“Treat policy launches like new flight routes: plan your trip, keep a copy of the rule you rely on, and have a fallback if schedules change.”
— Mira, Mobility Lead
Next steps
Choose your travel dates, prepare a clean set of documents, and watch for the implementing notice. If you need certified translations for invites or bookings, we can help.
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