Putin: Russia Ready to Establish Long-Term Visa-Free Arrangement with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if the Chinese side deems it beneficial, Russia is willing to jointly promote transitioning the visa-free arrangement into a long-term, fixed mechanism. The two leaders held talks during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Putin said: "If the Chinese side considers it feasible and advantageous, we are ready to work together to transform the visa-free regime into a long-term, stable mechanism." He also added that tourism flows have increased by 43% in the first half of this year.
The Russian leader further pointed out that cooperation between the two countries across various fields is progressing smoothly.
Previously reported, the visa-free arrangement between Russia and China has been effective on a reciprocal basis since July 20, 2026: citizens of both countries holding ordinary private passports may enter each other's country without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. For Russian citizens, visa-free entry into China applies to tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, various exchanges, and transit; Chinese citizens traveling to Russia are subject to the same rules. The validity of this reciprocal exemption has been extended to December 31, 2027.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875091806347276/
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