Russians will be able to visit the popular tourist island of Hainan in China without visas, the Xinhua News Agency reports.
From May 1, 2018, China introduces a visa-free regime for Russian citizens visiting Hainan Island. Only those with Both tourist groups and individual travelers will be able to use the passport. This decision was announced by officials of the State Administration of Immigration of the People's Republic of China. In addition, visa-free access applies to citizens of 58 other countries, including the UK, France, Germany and the US. The innovation of the Chinese authorities was adopted as part of the support and comprehensive deepening of the policy of reform and openness in Hainan Province, writes Xinhua News Agency. According to experts, the easing of the visa regime is due to the beginning of the low season. In May, the rainy season officially begins on the island, which will end in October.
Previously, Russian citizens could obtain a Chinese visa to visit Hainan at any Chinese consulate, obtain a single-entry visa for 15 days if visiting Hainan and other cities in China, or use a visa-free visit when purchasing a package tour as part of an organized tourist group.
Hainan Island is located in the South China Sea in southern China. Many call it the "Eastern Hawaii". The island is popular with tourists due to its tropical climate, excellent beaches, clean sea with a rich underwater world, as well as rare flora and fauna. The most favorable time for a holiday in Hainan is from March to June, as well as November. However, traditionally the swimming season here lasts all year round. In 2017, the resort island was visited by more than 1.1 million foreign tourists, of which 280,000 were Russian citizens.
Source: turizm.ru
