Chinese tourists may boost growth in tourist trips in Russia - PM

MOSCOW. Oct 7 (Interfax) - A visa-free system for Chinese tourists may boost a growth in tourist trips in Russia, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"We are observing a sustainable upward trend in tourist trips, both domestic and, importantly, inbound. More than 90 million trips were taken last year, and the growth neared 5.5% in the first eight months of this year. It may speed up in the new future. The president said at the Valdai forum last week that Russia was preparing to introduce a visa-free system for Chinese citizens as a reciprocal step," Mishustin said at the 3rd strategic session on tourism development.

Russian tourists can visit China visa-free for 30 days since September 15. Visa-free travels are available to tourists, entrepreneurs, people visiting their family and friends, people exchanging visits, or traveling through China. The pilot project will end on September 14, 2026. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would reciprocate the move.