Rules of entry to China for Russians in 2025: What you need to know

Until September 2026, Russian tourists can visit China without applying for a visa. However, travelers still need serious preparation to cross the border. Izvestia tells you what documents are needed for a trip to China, and also explains some customs rules.

What documents are needed to enter China?

From September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026, China introduces a visa-free regime for Russian citizens. It applies to individual travelers and groups who have arrived in the country for tourism, business (without employment), participation in cultural exchange programs or visiting relatives. You can stay in the country for 30 days. Moreover, the countdown starts from the day following the day of crossing the border.

You will need a visa to China for:

• trips longer than 30 days;
• employment opportunities in China;
• studies at Chinese universities and colleges;
• for journalistic activities;
• professional activity of drivers, forwarders and translators.

In addition, relatives of Russians who work or study in China, as well as employees of Russian foreign institutions planning a visit to visit their loved ones, are still required to apply for a visa. An "S2" visa is required for these purposes.

Entrance route: Russia creates a transport corridor with China along the Lena River

To do this, a new port will be built in Yakutia and the river fleet will be updated.

Documents for entry to China:

• foreign passport;
• cash at the rate of approximately $100 per person per day;
• confirmation of the purpose of the trip and route (copies of airline tickets, confirmed hotel reservations, etc.);
• medical insurance (optional, but may be useful).

Special entry rules apply in the special Administrative regions of China, Hong Kong and Macau. You can stay in Hong Kong for no more than 14 days without a visa, and in Macau for 30 days. In addition, a foreign passport is required to travel to Hong Kong, which expires at least 30 days after the end of the trip. A confirmed hotel reservation and a return ticket may also be required.

Upon arrival in China, a foreign citizen must also apply for an entry card (Arrival Card). Starting from November 20, 2025, this can be done in advance in electronic format. After processing the data, the tourist will receive a QR code that will be valid for 24 hours - during this time you need to cross the border. An alternative option is to fill out the card at the airport by scanning the QR code using the WeChat or Alipay applications.

What can and cannot be imported into China

At the border with China, all travelers go through customs control. To avoid problems, it is necessary to understand which items require declaration, and which can be carried out at no extra cost.

The following goods in the specified quantities do not require filling out a customs declaration:

• personal items: clothes, shoes, cosmetics and other items in volumes corresponding to the purpose and duration of the trip;
• jewelry made of precious metals for personal use, if their total weight does not exceed 50 grams;
• smartphone and other personal gadgets (camera, video camera, tablet, laptop — one piece per person);
• foreign currency — for an amount not exceeding the equivalent of $5 thousand;
• Chinese currency — no more than 20 thousand yuan;
• no more than 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco;
• no more than 1.5 liters of alcohol with a strength above 12%;
• no more than 2 vapes and no more than 6 cartridges with a total liquid volume of up to 12 ml.

What you need to declare when entering China

• alcohol, tobacco, jewelry and cash in excess of the established limits;
• radio transmission devices and communication protection devices;
• endangered species of animals and plants, their seeds and materials for reproduction (only with special permits);
• radio transmitters and communication protection devices;
• products with commercial value, samples, advertising;
• unaccompanied baggage.

Access point: Russia and India are closer to visa-free travel for tourist groups

Progress on this issue is expected at the talks between the leaders of the two countries in December.

Some items are prohibited from being imported into China. These include:

• counterfeit banknotes and securities;
• materials that defame the state: any printed materials, audio and video recordings that harm China's politics, economy, culture or morals, including materials critical of the government and the Communist Party, as well as literature dealing with controversial historical events.
• medications containing narcotic and psychotropic substances (e.g. ephedrine, morphine, strychnine);
• weapons and explosives, as well as dummy weapons;
• fruits, vegetables, meat, sausage, fish, eggs and dairy products (except baby food in factory packaging).

To transport prescription and essential medicines, you will need a doctor's prescription translated into English or Chinese. For a snack during the flight, it is recommended to take chips, cookies, nuts or sweets. The main thing is that they remain in their original packaging before planting.

What can be brought from China to Russia

Certain customs restrictions also apply when returning from China to Russia.

What can be exported from China

• Medicines of traditional Chinese medicine: ready-made preparations in factory packaging, purchased at a pharmacy, provided that there are no narcotic substances in their composition.
• Electronic devices: cameras, video cameras, laptops cost no more than 5 thousand yuan for each item. More expensive gadgets require a customs declaration.
• Works of art: paintings, prints, antique souvenirs. Antique objects of cultural value can only be removed with special permission from the National Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of China (NCHA).
• Tea: several packs for personal use or as a gift. The export of expensive types of puer, recognized as a national treasure, is prohibited. A large amount of elite tea can be regarded as a commercial batch.
• Jade, porcelain, and silk products: jewelry, tableware, and fabrics for personal use.

For all of the above purchases, it is necessary to keep the product receipts — they may be useful if the customs service has any questions. In the case of gadgets, you will also need confirmation that the product is certified for Russia. You can ask the seller for the document.

What is prohibited for export from China

• rare species of animals and plants, seeds, skins, stuffed animals, ivory products;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• weapons, explosives, and ammunition.
• pornographic and extremist materials, as well as listening devices;
• valuable cultural relics recognized as a national treasure of China;
• narcotic and psychotropic substances;
• human blood and its derivatives (lymph, plasma).

Earlier, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) denied information about increased security screening for Russian tourists on the border with China.