Short answer
Russian passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days under the unilateral visa-free policy, which for Russia currently runs until 2027 (longer than the 31 December 2026 end date that applies to 48 other countries). The stay counts from midnight the day after arrival, and is valid for tourism, business, family visits, exchange or transit. For stays over 30 days, study, work, or journalism, a regular visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate is still required.
Visa-free entry for Russian citizens (until 2027)
Russia is one of the 50 countries on China's unilateral visa-free list, but its policy has a later expiry: 31 December 2026 for most listed countries, but 2027 for Russia and no set expiry for Brunei.
Within the 30-day limit you may enter for tourism, business, visiting relatives, cultural or academic exchange, and transit — no invitation letter or embassy visit needed.
What counts as a 'day'
- The 30 days are counted from midnight following the day you enter.
- Entering on 1 March means day 1 is 2 March; a 30-day stay ends 31 March.
When you still need a visa
A regular visa is required for stays beyond 30 days, and for purposes outside the visa-free list such as work, study, or reporting.
Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow, consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, or Vladivostok.
- Tourist (L): itinerary and sometimes a hotel booking.
- Business (M): invitation from a Chinese counterparty.
- Transit (G): confirmed onward ticket within 24–240 hours.
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Official sources
Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.