BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Russia is ready to work with China to make visa-free travel between the two countries permanent, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday, as Moscow and Beijing seek to deepen economic and people-to-people ties.
“We are ready to work together to make the visa-free regime permanent, if the Chinese side considers this possible and useful,” Putin said during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek.
🇷🇺🇨🇳 On August 31, President of Russia Vladimir Putin & President of China Xi Jinping held a meeting in Bishkek.#RussiaChina pic.twitter.com/rJeptZCWO6
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) August 31, 2026
The proposal comes after China and Russia introduced reciprocal visa-free arrangements that have boosted travel and tourism between the two countries.
Russia introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens in December 2025, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days without a visa until September 14, 2026. China had earlier introduced a similar arrangement for Russian citizens.
The two countries later agreed to extend the visa-free arrangements for their citizens until the end of 2027.
Tourism and economic ties between China and Russia
Putin said the visa-free regime had contributed to a rise in travel between Russia and China. Tourist trips between the two countries increased by 43% in the first half of 2026, he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said earlier that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Russia had risen by almost 50% in the first quarter of 2026 following the introduction of visa-free travel.
Making the arrangement permanent could further support tourism and broader economic links as Moscow and Beijing seek to expand bilateral cooperation.
Putin, Xi discuss bilateral ties
Putin and Xi also praised the strength of their bilateral relationship and cooperation through the SCO during their talks.
Xi said the foundation of China-Russia relations would continue to strengthen and called for closer coordination between the two countries to promote peace, development and cooperation.
Putin described Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation as a model of interstate relations based on sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit.
He also highlighted expanding economic cooperation in sectors including energy, transport and agriculture. Agricultural trade between the two countries rose 34% year-on-year, Putin said.
The talks took place as Moscow and Beijing continue to deepen their strategic partnership.
‘Constructive and friendly’ talks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks as “constructive and friendly”, saying the two leaders trusted each other and used that relationship to address difficult issues.
“The meeting (was) traditionally held in a very constructive and friendly atmosphere. Both Xi and Putin trust each other and use this mutual trust to address the most difficult issues,” Peskov told the Vesti media outlet.
