On December 1, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree establishing a temporary procedure for mutual travel between citizens of the Russian Federation and the People"s Republic of China. According to the decree, from December 1, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Chinese citizens may enter the Russian Federation and stay in its territory visa-free for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, and guest visits.
The Presidential Decree is a significant step in developing tourism exchange. For the Murmansk Region, which boasts unique Arctic tourism potential, the new regulations open up additional opportunities.
"The region is ready for increased tourist flow: 221 shared accommodations of varying comfort levels are available to guests," commented Marta Govor, Minister of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of the Murmansk Region. "Today, the Kola Arctic tourism community offers a wide range of programs tailored to the needs and preferences of international tourists—from Northern Lights hunting, whale watching, and visits to the world-famous icebreaker Lenin to Sami ethnic tours and Arctic safaris. We are working diligently to prepare our tourism infrastructure: key tourist attractions, information centers, and restaurants are installing navigation and menus in English and Chinese. We expect that, thanks to these new conditions, the share of international tourists in the Murmansk Region will approach 10% by the end of the year."
As a reminder, the visa-free regime does not apply to entry for employment, education, or permanent residence. A valid passport is sufficient for entry for Chinese citizens.
As representatives of the regional tourism community note, the introduction of a visa-free regime with China could facilitate the development of individual tourism.
"I believe this strategy will eliminate the dependence on lists submitted by Chinese tour operators, which currently determine destinations and partners. Tourists will have the opportunity to plan their own itineraries or choose the tour operator offering the best prices. Individual tourism could replace mass tourism. The Chinese have become fluent in English and are increasingly preferring independent travel," commented Oleg Terebenin, CEO of a major regional tour operator, ambassador of the Russian Glamping Association, and chairman of the tourism committee of the Murmansk regional branch of OPORA RUSSIA.
/Ministry of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of the Murmansk Region/