Russia Tourist Visa
Unified Electronic Visa (E-Visa) · For China citizens
Planning a trip to Russia as a Chinese citizen? You now have excellent options. Since December 2025, Chinese citizens can enter Russia visa-free for tourism stays up to 30 days. Alternatively, the Russian e-visa costs just $52, processes in 4 days, and has a 92% approval rate. With over 1.2 million Chinese visitors traveling to Russia in 2024, this corridor has never been easier to navigate.
Russia Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For China citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Machine-readable Chinese passport meeting Russian entry requirements
Recent digital photo meeting Russian e-visa specifications
Clear digital scan of your passport's biographical data page
Valid medical insurance policy covering your stay in Russia
Completed electronic application via official Russian MFA portal
Visa or MasterCard for online fee payment
Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens
As of December 1, 2025, Russia has implemented a visa-free travel policy for Chinese citizens.2 This reciprocal arrangement allows Chinese nationals to enter Russia without a visa for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days. The policy is valid until September 14, 2026, and is expected to increase Chinese tourist arrivals by 30-40%.
Who qualifies for visa-free entry:
- Chinese citizens traveling for tourism
- Chinese citizens on business trips
- Stays not exceeding 30 days
Who still needs a visa:
- Those planning to work in Russia
- Those seeking to study in Russia
- Those applying for residency
- Stays exceeding 30 days
If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry, the Russian e-visa remains an excellent option with fast processing and high approval rates.
The Russian E-Visa Option
For Chinese citizens who need a visa, Russia offers a streamlined unified electronic visa (e-visa) that can be obtained entirely online.1 China is among the 64 countries eligible for this convenient visa type.
Key advantages of the e-visa:
- No invitation letter required
- No hotel booking confirmation needed
- No consulate visit necessary
- 4-day processing time
- Valid throughout all of Russia
- 92% approval rate for Chinese applicants
Application Process
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before starting your application, gather these items:1
- Your Chinese passport (valid for 6+ months, machine-readable)
- A recent digital photograph (JPEG, 35x45mm aspect ratio)
- A clear scan of your passport data page (JPEG)
- A Visa or MasterCard for payment
2. Create Your Account
Visit the official Russian e-visa portal at evisa.kdmid.ru.1 Create a personal account with your email address. All future communications and your visa notification will be sent to this email.
3. Complete the Application Form
Fill out all required fields accurately. Key information includes:
- Personal details (name exactly as in passport’s machine-readable zone)
- Passport information
- Travel dates and intended entry point
- Purpose of visit (tourism)
4. Upload Documents and Photo
Upload your digital photograph and passport scan. Ensure both meet the technical specifications. The system will automatically check image quality.
5. Pay the Fee
Pay the $52 government fee using Visa or MasterCard.4 The total with bank fees is approximately $55. Payment is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee.
6. Wait for Processing
Your application will be processed within 4 calendar days.1 You can track status through your personal account. If any corrections are needed, you have 10 days to make them without additional payment.
7. Receive Your E-Visa
Upon approval, you’ll receive a notification with your e-visa via email. Print this notification or save it to your mobile device to show at boarding and border control.
Fees
| Visa Type | Government Fee | Total Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Free | Free | N/A |
| E-Visa | $52 | ~$55 | 4 calendar days |
| Traditional Tourist Visa | $39 | $39 + invitation costs | 4-20 business days |
Note: E-visa fees are non-refundable if your application is denied.1 Traditional visas require an invitation letter from a registered Russian travel agency, adding to the total cost and complexity.
Processing Times
| Option | Time |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Immediate (no application needed) |
| E-Visa | 4 calendar days |
| Traditional Visa (Standard) | 4-20 business days |
The e-visa application can be submitted no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 days before your intended entry date.1
Entry Points and Travel Freedom
The Russian e-visa is valid at all major entry points including:1
Major Airports:
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo)
- St. Petersburg (Pulkovo)
- Vladivostok, Kazan, Sochi, and 40+ regional airports
Land and Rail Crossings:
- Zabaikal’sk (China-Russia border)
- Manzhouli/Zabaikal’sk railway crossing
- Multiple crossings from Mongolia and other neighboring countries
Sea Ports:
- Vladivostok, St. Petersburg, Murmansk, and others
Once in Russia, e-visa holders can travel freely throughout the country, including to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, and all tourist destinations.1
China-Russia Tourism: A Growing Corridor
China has become Russia’s largest source of international tourists. In 2024, approximately 731,800 Chinese tourists visited Russia in the first nine months alone, representing a seven-fold increase from 2023.3 Chinese nationals now account for over 50% of all foreign tourists in Russia.
Moscow welcomed 429,100 Chinese visitors in 2024, making China the top source of international tourists to the Russian capital.5 The strong bilateral relationship between China and Russia, combined with over 100 weekly direct flights, makes this an increasingly popular travel corridor.
After Your Visa is Approved
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll receive a migration card at the border.1 This is a two-part form:
- Keep one part throughout your stay
- Return it when you depart Russia
Important border procedures:
- Present your passport and e-visa notification (printed or on mobile device)
- Complete the migration card
- Proceed through passport control
- Keep your migration card safe as losing it can cause departure delays
Registration requirement: If staying in a hotel, the hotel will handle your migration registration automatically. If staying in private accommodation, your host must register you at the local migration office within 7 working days of arrival.
If Your Visa is Refused
E-visa rejections for Chinese applicants are uncommon, with a 92% approval rate.4 If your application is denied:
- Check for errors: Most rejections result from data entry mistakes or photo issues
- No detailed explanation: Russian authorities do not provide specific rejection reasons
- Fee is non-refundable: The $52 payment cannot be recovered
- You can reapply: After correcting any issues, submit a new application
- Traditional visa option: If e-visa is repeatedly denied, you can apply for a traditional tourist visa through the Russian consulate
Common issues to address before reapplying:
- Name spelling matches passport’s machine-readable zone exactly
- Photo meets all technical specifications
- Passport has sufficient validity
- Application submitted within the allowed time window (4-86 days before travel)
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Data Entry Errors and Discrepancies
Mismatches between application information and passport details, including name spelling, passport number, or date of birth errors.
How to avoid: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport (the two lines at the bottom of the data page). Double-check all numbers and dates before submitting.
Photo Specification Issues
Digital photographs that don't meet Russian requirements for size, background, lighting, or facial positioning.
How to avoid: Use a plain white or light-colored background, ensure your face takes up 70-80% of the frame, and avoid shadows. Professional passport photo services can ensure compliance.
Passport Validity Problems
Passport not valid for at least 6 months from the application date, or passport is not machine-readable or is damaged.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before applying. If it expires within 8 months of your planned trip, consider renewing it first.
Application Timing Errors
Applying too early (more than 86 days before travel) or too late (less than 4 days before travel).
How to avoid: Plan your application timing carefully. The ideal window is 20-40 days before your intended entry date.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying previous Russian visas, unpaid fines in Russia, or other immigration regulation violations.
How to avoid: If you have a previous violation history, consider consulting the Russian consulate before applying. Some bans can be lifted after a waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Russia in 2025?
As of December 2025, Chinese citizens can enter Russia visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 30 days. For longer stays or other purposes, you can apply for an e-visa or traditional visa.
What is the easiest way for Chinese citizens to visit Russia?
The easiest option is the visa-free entry (effective December 2025) for stays up to 30 days. If this does not apply to your situation, the Russian e-visa is the next best option. It costs $52, processes in 4 calendar days, and requires no invitation letter or hotel booking.
How much does a Russian e-visa cost for Chinese citizens?
The Russian e-visa costs approximately $52 in government fees, plus a small bank transaction fee (total around $55). Children under 6 years old are exempt from the consular fee. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
How long does Russian e-visa processing take?
E-visa applications are processed within 4 calendar days from submission. You can apply no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 days before your intended entry date.
How long can I stay in Russia on an e-visa?
The e-visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days from the date of entry. The visa itself is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. Note that your day of arrival and day of departure each count as full days.
Do I need an invitation letter for the Russian e-visa?
No, Chinese citizens applying for the Russian e-visa do not need an invitation letter, hotel booking, or any document confirming the purpose of travel. This is one of the major advantages over the traditional visa.
What airports can I enter Russia with an e-visa?
The e-visa is valid at all major Russian airports including Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo), St. Petersburg (Pulkovo), and many regional airports. It's also valid at numerous sea, rail, and land border crossings throughout Russia.
Can I travel anywhere in Russia with an e-visa?
Yes, e-visa holders have the right to travel freely throughout Russia, except for territories, organizations, and facilities that require special permits under Russian federal laws.
What if my Russian e-visa is rejected?
E-visa rejections are uncommon for Chinese applicants (approval rate is 92%). If rejected, you will receive notification but no specific reason. Common issues include data entry errors, photo problems, or passport validity issues. You can reapply after correcting any mistakes.
Is there visa-free travel between China and Russia?
Yes, as of December 1, 2025, Russia implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business. This policy is based on reciprocity and is valid until September 14, 2026.