Russia only allows tourist groups of 5 to 50 people to stay in Russia for 15 days according to the signature-free form.

Russia has completed the formulation of the "New Agreement on Visa-Free Travel between Russia and China".

This was revealed by Vladimir Fomin, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Russian Federation Tourism Administration, at the 9th Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperation Roundtable.

Earlier reports said that Russia and China were negotiating on the text of a new agreement on mutual visa exemption for tourist groups.

The new agreement drafted by Russia stipulates that the tourist group will be reduced to 3 people and the visa-free stay period for tourists in the host country will be extended to 3 weeks.

According to existing regulations, only tourist groups of 5 to 50 people can stay in Russia for 15 days according to the signature-free form.

In addition, based on the agreement signed by the recipient, the travel company will arrange for a full-time person other than a tour guide to accompany the tour group throughout the journey.

Extended information Putin proposed: "In order to attract more foreign tourists, Russia may need to further simplify visa procedures. For example, it can expand the scope of mutual visa-free countries and do this with all BRICS countries." Putin's proposal was approved by Russia

Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky supported it.

According to past experience, countries that simplify visa procedures usually gain huge benefits in the tourism industry.

Putin said: "The Ministry of Culture is a staunch supporter of this idea. Of course, it is believed that this will have a positive impact on Russian tourism." According to Putin, Russia plans to implement a 72-hour transit visa-free policy for citizens of some countries.

BRICS refers to the five countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

These five countries have a population of about 3 billion, and their combined GDP accounts for about 20% of the world's total.

According to Russia’s current visa policy, Brazilian citizens can stay in Russia without a visa for up to 90 days.

Citizens of China, India and South Africa must obtain a visa in advance before entering the country.