15 september 2025 — 14:32
From September 15, 2025, China introduced a trial visa-free regime for citizens of the Russian Federation. However, for truck drivers, the requirement to obtain a visa to enter China still remains in effect. The only thing is that, thanks to the additional agreement between China and Russia that came into force in May of this year, crews of vehicles carrying out transportation between the countries can obtain visas in a simplified manner.
As explained by the Chinese Consulate, the visa-free regime applies to both tourist trips and business visits, as well as transit through the country's territory. However, it still does not apply to truck drivers making trips to China.
“According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in accordance with clarifications received from Chinese partners, the visa-free regime announced by them does not apply to Russian professional drivers performing international automobile transportation to the People’s Republic of China,” the Association of International Automobile Carriers of Russia clarified.