How to visit Russia from
China
Where are you planning to apply for your Russian visa?
Pick the country and city where you are physically located. We'll show the Russian consulate and visa application center that serve China citizens there.
Applying in Paris, France
As a China passport holder physically in France, you can submit your Russian visa application at the Russian mission below or at an authorised visa application center. You are also eligible for the online e-Visa, which needs no consulate visit.
Russian consulate
Visa application center
Authorised centers have historically accepted applications on behalf of the consulate, for an additional service fee.
How citizens of China enter Russia
Good news for travellers from China: you can enter Russia visa-free for short tourist stays, and you are also eligible for the online e-Visa for longer or specific trips. For business, work or study, a standard visa is available through a Russian consulate.
Visa-free entry
Visa-free up to 30 daysHolders of an ordinary China passport can travel to Russia for tourism for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance. From 30 June 2025, visa-free travellers must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (RuID) before crossing the border.
Unified e-Visa (online)
~USD 52 · 30-day stayChina is one of the 64 nationalities eligible for Russia's unified e-Visa. You apply entirely online at the official MFA portal with just a passport, a digital photo and travel insurance — no invitation letter is required. The e-Visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.
Apply for the e-VisaStandard visa (consulate / visa center)
Invitation letter requiredFor stays longer than the visa-free period, or for business, work or study, citizens of China apply for a standard visa. This requires an invitation letter (a tourist voucher or a business invitation), the application form, a passport, a photo and — for some nationalities — travel medical insurance.
Order visa invitation from $19
Need an invitation letter for a tourist or business visa? Get one online and receive it by email — no consulate visit to obtain it.
- Tourist invitations issued fast
- Accepted by all Russian consulates
- 500,000+ travellers served
Russian visa types available to China citizens
Russia issues the same visa categories to foreign nationals. The right one depends on the purpose of your trip. Open any visa type for the full requirements, costs and a step-by-step guide for China passport holders.
Tourism, business or events (online)
Documents required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry
- Digital passport-style photograph
- Completed online application at evisa.kdmid.ru
- Travel medical insurance valid in Russia (recommended / required at entry)
Leisure travel & sightseeing
Documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond the visa, with 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Tourist confirmation & voucher (invitation)
- Travel medical insurance (for many nationalities)
Meetings, negotiations, contracts
Documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Business invitation (MFA / Telex / GUVM)
- Travel medical insurance (most nationalities)
Visiting relatives or friends
Documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Original private invitation issued via GUVM
- Travel medical insurance (most nationalities)
Employment in Russia
Documents required
- Passport valid 18+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Employer invitation + work permit reference
- Medical certificates (incl. HIV test) as required
- Travel medical insurance
Study at a Russian institution
Documents required
- Passport valid 18+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- University invitation / admission letter
- Medical certificates (incl. HIV test) as required
- Travel medical insurance
Passing through Russia
Documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Confirmed onward tickets
- Visa for the destination country (if required)
Culture, sport, science, religion
Documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- Invitation from the inviting organisation
- Travel medical insurance (most nationalities)
How to get each Russian visa from China
Common questions China travellers ask about each visa type — how to apply, and where to buy the visa invitation. Open a visa type for the full guide.
Unified e-Visa
Full guideTourist Visa
Full guideBusiness Visa
Full guidePrivate Visa
Full guideWork Visa
Full guideStudent Visa
Full guideTransit Visa
Full guideHumanitarian Visa
Full guideHow to get your e-Visa
- 1
Check eligibility
Confirm your nationality is on the 64-country e-Visa list. If not, you will need a standard visa.
- 2
Apply online
Complete the application at the official MFA portal evisa.kdmid.ru with your passport details and a digital photo.
- 3
Pay the consular fee
Pay roughly USD 52. Children under 6 are exempt. No invitation, hotel booking or tickets are required.
- 4
Receive your e-Visa
Processing is up to 4 days. Download and print the approved e-Visa; you receive it by email.
- 5
Travel to Russia
Enter through an authorised checkpoint (most major airports incl. Moscow & St Petersburg). Stay up to 30 days, single entry.
Russian consulates in China
There are 5 Russian diplomatic missions in China that handle visas. Open any city for the full address, phone, email, opening hours, jurisdiction and the visa application center that serves it.
Applying directly at the consulate
As of today, document intake is generally handled directly by the Russian consulate that serves you. Here is how that works in practice.
Visa application centers in China
Authorised visa application centers (such as VFS Global and other operators) have historically accepted Russian visa applications on behalf of the consulate, for an additional service fee.