Russia and China to extend visa-free travel for smaller groups
Russia and China are collaborating on new visa-free travel regulations. At present, groups of five people can travel without visas. The proposed changes aim to permit travel for groups of as few as three people and to extend the length of stay, reports "Kommersant."
Russia and China are discussing easing the rules for visa-free travel.
Russia discusses visa-free system with China
Currently, tourists from both countries can travel in groups of at least five people without needing visas. According to "Kommersant", in 2024, over 1 million tourists are expected to take advantage of this option.
The Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Dmitry Vakhrukov, announced plans to allow visa-free travel for groups starting from three people. Additionally, the length of stay under these conditions is to be extended by 50%. Vakhrukov emphasised that these changes are being discussed with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thanks to the introduction of the electronic visa, more than 400,000 Chinese tourists have already visited Russia. The Far East is particularly active in this area, with the development of tourism infrastructure, including new airport terminals and resorts. In the Khabarovsk region, a new international terminal and a large ski resort called "Hechcir" have been established.
