In Russia, the rush to secure visas through Chinese visa centers intensified rapidly as free application slots vanished within just 48 hours. This development was reported by Kommersant, noting the high demand that followed the restoration of full operations at Chinese visa centers across the Russian Federation. As of mid-March, Yulia Otvagina, Deputy Head of the Continental Express Visa and Immigration Department, indicated that the nearest available appointment slots for document submission in Moscow were scheduled for May 23, and in St. Petersburg for April 20, underscoring a tight scheduling window for applicants in major cities. The surge reflected a broad interest from business circles, travel professionals, and individual applicants who saw renewed opportunities in cross-border travel and commerce (Kommersant).
Industry observers pointed out that business visas are driving the strongest demand among Russian applicants. Many corporate representatives are preparing to participate in the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, slated to run from April 15 to May 5, with the fair serving as a key venue for sourcing, deal-making, and partnership development. Sectors such as construction, mining, and manufacturing are actively pursuing work visas for staff deployments, while information technology firms are also expressing robust interest in short-term and permanent postings in Chinese operations. This shift indicates a broader strategy to maintain and expand supply chains and client networks across Asia, leveraging in-person meetings and on-site collaboration when travel resumes to its pre-pandemic cadence (Kommersant).
Analysts have calculated that if the issue of visa-free access is resolved by May, tourism might rebound to levels roughly 40 percent higher than the pre-pandemic baseline. Yet several constraints still temper the rebound, including limited air transport capacity and the operational realities of cross-border scheduling. Russia’s air traffic, for instance, remains constrained by a finite fleet capable of operating without dual registration, which has a tangible impact on the pace of growth in tourist movements between the two countries. This situation highlights the delicate balance between easing visa policies and restoring reliable flight connections that travelers rely on for smoother trips. Industry experts emphasize that restoring travel volume will hinge not only on visa arrangements but also on the restoration of dependable air routes and service frequencies to meet rising demand (Kommersant).
Toward the end of February, Russian transport authorities signaled optimism about the forthcoming year, suggesting that flight frequencies to China would increase significantly as restrictions tied to the COVID-19 era continue to unwind and visa-free travel for tourist groups appears on track for a broader reinstatement. The statement pointed to a multi-fold expansion in air services, driven by renewed leisure and business travel, as well as government-led efforts to reestablish robust connectivity between the nations. While the broader outlook remains hopeful, the pace of expansion will likely depend on regulatory adjustments, airline capacity planning, and the evolving health and safety standards that govern international travel today (Kommersant).