MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – During the first half of 2026, Russia saw an influx of 2.5 million international visitors, marking a 20.1% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. China continued to be the primary source of foreign travelers over these six months, accounting for more than 22% of all foreign arrivals recorded in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these statistics at tourism conferences held in Shenyang, China. The figures encompass foreign tourists staying in collective accommodation facilities across the nation.
Russia’s domestic tourism also showed steady progress during January to June. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic trips made in the first half of 2026, representing a 4.3% increase from the same period last year. Data indicates that inbound tourism experienced a faster rate of growth during this period. It is important to note that separate statistical measures are used for domestic and international travel.
China remained the leading source of inbound tourists, with significant numbers also arriving from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. Visitors traveled to various destinations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg in the first half. Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan were among the cities highlighted by Russian officials. Russia maintained direct international air routes to 34 locations, including routes serving markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China continues to be Russia’s top international tourism market
The latest tourism data was discussed within the framework of the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang, where delegates participated in a seminar focusing on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. The meetings examined cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. A key topic was the development of the Great Tea Road, a historic route linking various regions. Russia’s section of this route is planned to include around 20 regions spread across the country.
This route passes through the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, eventually reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg. Discussions on regional tourism also included collaborations between the neighboring border cities of Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, visitor development initiatives around Vladivostok, and travel connected to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Additionally, Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome were part of the regional tourism strategy.
Visa-free arrangements bolster Russian-Chinese tourist exchanges
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been expanded to facilitate easier access for eligible travelers. Russia has extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027, while China has maintained its visa-free policy for Russian nationals through the same date. Citizens holding eligible Russian passports can visit China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This policy covers tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit under the specified conditions.
Cross-border travel between the two countries had already seen an increase prior to these latest figures. Chinese data show that 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% rise compared to the same quarter in 2025. Russia was also among the main origins of inbound tourists to China in the first half. The recent Russian tourism statistics confirm that China remained the largest foreign visitor market for Russia, contributing to over 20% of recorded international arrivals.
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