Since March 31, Chinese authorities have allowed travel operators to import foreign tour groups into the country. This update was shared on a social network by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China via Weibo, signaling a shift in policy for inbound tourism. The official note explains that travel agencies and online tour operators are resuming activities that facilitate the entry of foreign tourist groups, including handling ticketing and hotel reservations. This marks a renewed openness to international visitors and reflects ongoing adjustments in regulatory frameworks governing tourism and cross-border movement for visitors from abroad.
On March 22, reports noted that the tour operators association prepared a formal request to the Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian Foreign Ministry, and the Moscow Tourism Committee regarding the resumption of visa-free group trips for Chinese and Russian tourists. While the exact effective date of any renewed visa arrangements remained unclear at the time, the maneuver signals an intent to revive collaborative travel corridors between the two countries and to simplify group travel for travelers who hope to explore multiple destinations under a single itinerary.
Additionally, a statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated that authorities aim to foster the most favorable conditions for regular travel between the Russian Federation and the PRC. This emphasis on streamlined visa policies and cooperative tourism initiatives points to a broader strategy to boost cross-border visitation, bolster cultural and economic exchange, and support the recovery of tourism-related businesses on both sides. With these developments, travelers may anticipate clearer processes for group travel and more predictable arrangements as bilateral tourism discussions continue to progress.