Putin: Russia ready to work together with China to implement visa-free procedures on permanent basis

MOSCOW. Aug 31 (Interfax) - Russia is ready to work together to implement visa-free procedures between Russia and China on a permanent basis if Beijing deems it possible and useful, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We are ready to work together to implement visa-free procedures on a permanent basis if the Chinese side deems it possible and useful," Putin said at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Tourism between Russia and China soared by 43% in the first half of 2026 due to the visa-free arrangements, he said.