From Sept. 15, 2025, to Sept. 14, 2026, China will implement a visa-free policy on a trial basis for ordinary passport holders from Russia. Russian ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits, or transit for no more than 30 days.
Wen Wei Po reporters recently discovered on social media platforms that a large number of Russians have been posting requests for recommendations on "where is fun to visit in China," with comments like "I see Chinese snacks and attractions every day, and I'm craving to tears." On Sept. 15, the first batch of Russian tourists entering under the visa-free policy arrived through the passenger inspection hall of the Suifenhe Highway Port in Heilongjiang Province. Russian tourists expressed that they can now come to China with just their passports, making "last-minute trips" a reality.
On the first day of the policy's implementation, the passenger inspection hall of the Suifenhe Highway Port in Heilongjiang Province welcomed the first batch of Russian tourists entering under the visa-free policy. By simply presenting their ordinary passports, border inspection staff quickly processed the entry procedures using biometric verification and passport reading devices, with the entire process taking an average of just two minutes.
"It's so convenient! Before, we had to apply for a visa in advance. Now, we can come to China with just our passports, making last-minute trips a reality. This is truly a historic breakthrough."
Abbasnov was the first Russian tourist to benefit from the policy at the Dongning Port in Heilongjiang Province on Sept. 15. After completing fingerprint collection with a pre-positioned fingerprint scanner and filling out an entry card for foreigners, he entered the country. He noted that he plans to visit business partners in Harbin and explore local attractions.
Efficient & smooth crossing
"Our station has adjusted police deployment promptly, dispatching additional officers proficient in Russian to provide guidance, offer policy explanations, and handle inquiries for first-time visitors to China, ensuring efficient and smooth port clearance," said He, a police officer from the Suifenhe Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station.
Sun, Deputy Section Chief of the Second Inspection Section at the Suifenhe Customs Highway Port Office, also told Wen Wei Po reporters that they have strengthened manpower allocation, updated smart supervision equipment, and improved emergency plans for providing green channel services to special needs passengers.
The Dongning Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station will also continue to enhance clearance guarantees, dispatch additional officers to provide on-site consultations, and dynamically adjust duties and increase police presence to ensure uninterrupted and fast clearance for passengers. It is reported that on Sept. 15, Suifenhe recorded 25 inbound passenger vehicles and 568 passengers. The Dongning Port recorded 932 entries and exits throughout the day, including 346 inbound passengers (294 mainland residents and 52 Russian nationals).
According to local travel agency operators, in the past, Russian citizens had to prepare cumbersome visa procedures weeks in advance, including filling out forms, scheduling visa interviews, paying visa fees, and potentially facing a series of inquiries. Now, entry is easy with just a passport, saving both time and money.
"For example, a friend from Moscow previously had to spend thousands of rubles on a visa to visit Beijing. Now, that money can be used to fully enjoy Chinese cuisine and culture." For businesspeople, the visa-free policy also significantly improves the efficiency of business trips.
11% tax refund for Russian tourists on shopping upon departure
To welcome Russian tourists entering under the visa-free policy, border cities in Heilongjiang are now focusing on both hardware and software improvements, building on existing city-wide Russian language signage. Merchants near scenic spots are collectively introducing bilingual menus, while hotels and restaurants are addressing gaps in Russian language services and integrating Russia's Mir payment system. Russian tourists have a strong demand for Chinese electronic products, tea, silk, and other goods. Shops are striving to open ruble settlement channels, integrate cross-border payment platforms, and set up bilingual price tags.
"As one of the first merchants to offer tax refunds upon departure, we are fully prepared. Russian shoppers can get an 11% tax refund upon departure," said a store manager at a mobile phone store. He added that they would strictly control inventory and product quality across all brands for Russian tourists, while simultaneously providing Russian language training for employees to eliminate language barriers. The next step will be to comprehensively update product labels in both languages to help Russians quickly understand product information and achieve fast shopping.
"I travel often, and in my heart, Suifenhe might be one of the favorite cities for Russian tourists. Here, you can buy all kinds of goods at affordable and reasonable prices," Kavalerovo, a Russian tourist, said.
"Chinese goods, from daily necessities to mobile phones and electronics, as well as clothing, jewelry, and food, are much cheaper than in Russia. Even with taxes, you can save a lot of money." Kavalerovo mentioned that now many Chinese merchants speak Russian, and stores often provide Russian menus. "Shopping and traveling in China are already very convenient."
TCM massage and medicinal cuisine
"I especially love Chinese food, and I prefer Fuyuan's ecological beauty. What was once a lingering longing can now become a reality at any time. I love this policy so much!" a Russian tourist excitedly told Wen Wei Po reporters immediately upon entering through the Fuyuan Port in Heilongjiang.
Suifenhe's increasingly healthy and wellness service system is becoming a "haven of happiness" for Russian tourists seeking health. More and more Russian tourists are keen on acupuncture, cupping to remove dampness, massage for neck treatment, medicinal cuisine, and other services. The professional translation services provided by hospitals in Suifenhe, with full follow-up, have also broken down language barriers.
Another Russian tourist said, "The traditional Chinese medicine neck massage is absolutely amazing. The doctor's hands are simply 'magical'... That tingling sensation went all the way to my knees. We also tried traditional Chinese medicine coffee ice cream. Now, with the visa-free policy making it even more convenient, I plan to come every week from now on."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Wang Xinxin, Yu Haijiang, Wu Qian; English Editor: Darius)
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