Russia plans visa-free policy for China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia

The Russian government has commenced the process of a visa-free policy for China, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin hinted on Tuesday.

During a strategic session on tourism expansion, Mishustin announced Russia’s plan to allocate almost 400 billion roubles to boost the industry over the next five years.

The prime minister noted that about a quarter of a trillion roubles were already allocated from the federal budget during the same previous period.

Russia’s current visa policy with several countries increased foreigners’ visits to 5 million in 2024, a 40% growth from 2023. The figure is expected to grow to 16 million by 2030.

According to Mishustin, President Vladimir Putin identified the development of tourism as one of the pressing priorities, as the sector affects millions of citizens.

“Modern airport complexes are being built, the highway network is being expanded, rail passenger service is being improved, and the number of river cruise routes is increasing,” he said.

Mishustin added that Russian cities are being renewed, with more beautiful, comfortable places and public spaces appearing, while the hotel industry is also thriving.

To woo tourists to the cultural institutions in small towns, the government has directed all regions to pay special attention to transport accessibility and logistics.

Russia is establishing resorts on the Black Sea and Sea of Azov coasts, on the Caspian and Baltic Sea coasts, in the Primorye Territory, to accommodate up to ten million people annually.

The government is also subsidizing loans for​ hotels, parks, alpine ski resorts, and water parks, as it projects to draw two trillion roubles’ worth of investment in the next six years.

At the Valdai Forum, Putin confirmed the introduction of a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens to foster personal and professional ties, fulfilling his promise to reciprocate China’s “friendly gesture.”