President Vladimir Putin said on an economic platform in Vladivostok on Friday that Russia will start visa-free for Chinese citizens in response to Beijing’s recent move to make travel rules easier. China had earlier announced that it would allow a visa-free admission to the common Russian passport holders on the basis of testing for one year from September 15, with allowing to stay for 30 days. According to a report by the Russian news agency TASS, Putin, who was present in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the Chinese victory parade, said that Russia will also implement a visa-free system for Chinese citizens.
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He made this comment in a meeting with Lee Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Vice President of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee of the National Committee. China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it would provide a visa-free travel to the common passport holders of Russia. This step is taken after bilateral meetings between the two countries. This visa discount will be applicable for one year from September 15, in which the maximum duration of entry into China will be 30 days. Putin said in a meeting with the CPC member that of course, Russia would respond to this friendly behavior. We will do the same.
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A bilateral agreement between China and Russia on the visa-free travel system for organized tourist groups is already applicable. According to the report, only recognized operators of both countries can organize tourism, and groups should have at least five and maximum 50 people. The TASS report states that Chinese tourists come to Russia on regular or electronic visas. Moscow introduced an electronic visa in August 2023, with the holder of which the holder gets the right to stay in the country for 30 days. Electronic visas can be obtained within a few days and costs around $ 40–50.