This announcement comes as part of a reciprocal agreement after China lifted visa requirements for Russian passport holders earlier this year. As expected, searches and bookings for Russia from China surged right after the news, signaling a strong upcoming travel wave.
This guide explains what the visa-free rules mean in practice and—most importantly—what Chinese tourists should prepare regarding mobile internet, SIM cards, and eSIM usage, as Russia’s digital connectivity landscape has experienced important regulatory changes in 2025.
What Putin’s Visa-Free Policy Means for Chinese Travelers
Under the new measure, Chinese nationals can enter Russia without a visa for:
-
Tourism trips
-
Business visits or work-related travel
-
Stays up to 30 days per entry
The program is part of a one-year trial and complements the existing visa-free regime previously available only for organized group tours.
Why the Timing Matters
This announcement comes during increased diplomatic and economic cooperation between Russia and China. It also arrives at a moment of rising tensions between China and Japan, pushing many Chinese travelers to look for new destinations.
As a result, travel agencies in China report:
-
Increased searches for “Moscow,” “Saint Petersburg,” and “Russia winter travel”
-
A rise in bookings for February and April 2026
-
Higher interest in long-stay digital nomad style travel
Expected Tourism Boom: Why Russia May Become a Top Destination for Chinese Visitors
Russia offers a wide range of attractions that appeal to Chinese travelers, such as:
-
Historic capitals like Moscow and Saint Petersburg
-
Iconic winter landscapes and Northern Lights trips in Murmansk
-
Cultural tourism along the Golden Ring
-
Affordable prices compared to Japan or South Korea
With visa requirements removed, the barrier to entry has dramatically lowered. The only major challenge left for travelers is digital connectivity, as Russia has recently changed its rules on eSIM distribution and foreign registrations.
Mobile Internet in Russia: What Chinese Tourists Should Prepare
Russia’s mobile internet situation is unique compared to many countries. After introducing new legislation in 2025, certain operators stopped offering in-country eSIM activation, and airport SIM card registration has become more limited.
That means travelers should plan their mobile connectivity before they arrive.
Why Local SIM Cards Are Difficult for Foreigners
-
Passport registration is mandatory.
-
Some airport kiosks no longer activate foreign SIMs.
-
Not all operators provide eSIMs at physical stores.
-
English- and Chinese-speaking support is limited.
These issues make it increasingly common for tourists to arrive without reliable mobile internet—especially during peak travel seasons.
Before You Travel: Russia’s 2025 eSIM Restrictions You Should Know
In 2025, Russia implemented new regulations affecting eSIM issuance and usage for tourists. These changes are important for visa-free travelers from China because they directly impact how you will access mobile data.
Key points include:
-
Some operators now block in-country eSIM activation for foreigners.
-
Travelers often cannot switch operators inside Russia without physical registration.
-
Airport SIM card activation may be unavailable or slow, depending on staffing and location.
-
Many tourists are now advised to activate their mobile plan before entering Russia.
To understand these regulatory changes in more detail, you can read our full guide here:
Russia eSIM Restrictions Explained (What Travelers Must Know)
https://www.roafly.com/blog/russia-esim-restrictions-2025
This background is essential, especially now that visa-free entry is expected to bring a significant increase in Chinese arrivals.
Best Mobile Internet Option for Chinese Travelers: Using an eSIM Before Arrival
Given the current restrictions, the most reliable way to ensure stable mobile internet in Russia is to install an eSIM before the trip. This prevents issues at airports and avoids situations where local operators refuse to register foreign numbers.
Why Roafly eSIM Is Recommended for Russia
Roafly offers Russia eSIM packages that provide:
-
Fast installation through QR code or direct setup
-
Coverage on major Russian networks
-
Hotspot tethering support
-
No passport registration required
-
Instant activation once you arrive in Russia
For Chinese tourists traveling visa-free, this eliminates the connectivity problems many visitors experienced in 2024–2025.
Practical Tips for First-Time Chinese Travelers in Russia
Arrival at the Airport
-
Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) and Domodedovo (DME) can be crowded; avoid counting on airport SIM kiosks.
-
Immigration queues may be longer in peak season due to the new visa rules.
-
Make sure your eSIM is already installed so you can access maps and translation tools immediately.
Language and Communication
-
English is limited; Chinese language support is rare.
-
Popular Russian translation apps may require internet access.
-
Maps downloaded offline + an active eSIM is strongly recommended.
Weather and Clothing
Russia’s climate varies significantly:
-
Winter temperatures can drop below –15°C
-
Even spring and autumn can be cold for travelers from southern China
Popular Itineraries
Most Chinese travelers are expected to follow:
-
Moscow → Saint Petersburg 7–10 days
-
Murmansk Northern Lights trips (December–March)
-
Golden Ring tours
-
Lake Baikal (summer)
Safety, Payments, and Everyday Practicalities
-
Payments: China UnionPay cards work at some ATMs and stores, but Alipay/WeChat Pay are not widely accepted. Card acceptance varies.
-
Connectivity: Mobile internet is essential for navigation and translation; public Wi-Fi is unreliable.
-
Cultural differences: Russia is safe in tourist areas, but pickpocketing can happen in metros and crowded stations.
Will Visa-Free Travel Impact Prices and Availability?
Yes — a surge in demand typically influences:
-
Flight prices
-
Hotel availability
-
Tourist service pricing
-
Seasonal travel patterns
Chinese New Year, May holidays, and summer 2026 are expected to see the largest spikes.
Conclusion: What Chinese Tourists Should Expect in 2026
The visa-free travel agreement marks a major shift in Russia–China tourism relations. With barriers removed, millions of Chinese travelers may consider Russia as a new destination for winter holidays, city trips, and business travel.
However, because of Russia’s evolving mobile connectivity regulations, visitors should prepare in advance—especially when it comes to activating an eSIM before entering the country.
For additional context on Russia’s eSIM rules, don’t forget to read:
Russia eSIM Restrictions Explained (2025)
https://www.roafly.com/blog/russia-esim-restrictions-2025
And for seamless, fast mobile internet during your trip, you can explore Roafly’s Russia eSIM packages.