How China–Russia visa-free travel is changing tours, routes and transfers

Since the bilateral visa-free policy came into effect, Chinese group counts in Moscow have more than doubled, with observers reporting upward of 20 small Chinese groups passing Red Square within minutes; Chinese arrivals rose 23% in Q4 2025 and are forecast to climb another 30% by summer 2026. At a glance, this surge is already visible in the expansion of direct flight links (Sanya now connects to 10 major Russian cities via 11 routes) and in airport logistics upgrades such as dedicated visa-free lanes and multilingual assistance that streamline entry flows.

Route growth and airport infrastructure

The operational response has been immediate. Sanya’s network now includes 11 international routes to Russian cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan, and its airports offer one-stop service centers and 24-hour Russian hotlines. Chengdu, a major inland hub, runs 83 regular direct international and regional routes, ranks first in central and western China and fourth nationwide, and supports 21 overseas e-wallets to ease payments for visiting Russians.

Everyday service changes on the streets

On Moscow’s pavements and in Chinese resort cities, service staff have quickly adapted: café servers and photo-studio employees now practice Mandarin greetings, while taxis and local guides are learning basic phrases to close the language gap. Practical moments—like a taxi driver returning a lost phone—illustrate how transport actors are becoming part of a wider hospitality chain that includes translation apps, driver-assisted directions and stronger customer-service coordination.

What this means for taxi and transfer operations

Increased cross-border tourism shifts demand patterns for private and shared transfers alike. More arrivals generate higher peak demand at airports and rail terminals, leading to extended service hours, clearer multilingual signage, and a need for transparent fare information. Transfer providers must offer exact details—vehicle make and model, driver license, seat configuration and pre-agreed fare—to reduce friction at pickup points and to manage surge periods around major attractions like Red Square and Leshan.

• Pickups and drop-offs: Expect heavier load at airport visa-free lanes and city centers during winter and summer peaks.
• Opções de pagamento: Support for foreign cards and e-wallets reduces cash handling and speeds turnover.
• Driver communication: Basic multilingual training, translation tools and ride notes mitigate misunderstandings.
• Vehicle choice: Families, retirees and small groups need a range from private sedans to multi-seaters and limousines.

Practical checklist for travelers who have a mind to book transfers: confirm the driver’s license and vehicle plate, check exact pickup location and time, verify the fare and included services, request child seats if needed, and use an app to see ratings and photos of the car and driver before you get in.

Highlights: the visa-free arrangement has already altered route schedules, passenger flows and local service offerings in ways that matter to drivers, taxi companies and transfer platforms. Yet even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments, with convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and a wide range of additional options. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

To sum up, mutual visa-free travel has pushed up tourist volumes, expanded direct air links and prompted practical upgrades in airports and city services—changes that directly affect taxi and transfer demand at airports, city centers and major destinations. Travelers should check exact pickup points, confirm fares and vehicle details, and book in advance to secure the best service. GetTransfer.com supports this shift by offering a transparent, global platform where users can view car make, model, driver ratings, seat and license details, compare prices and book tailored transfers for airport runs, city tours or private longer journeys—making it easier to get from destination to destination without surprises while keeping control of price, time and service quality.