MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – During the initial six months of 2026, Russia received 2.5 million international visitors, marking a 20.1% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. China continued to be the leading country of origin for foreign travelers during this timeframe, representing over 22% of all recorded international guests in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development disclosed these statistics at tourism-related meetings held in Shenyang, China. The figures encompass foreign tourists staying at collective accommodation facilities across the nation.
Russia’s domestic tourism sector also experienced steady growth in the January-June period. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic trips made by Russian tourists in the first half of 2026. This total reflects a 4.3% increase compared to the same timeframe the previous year. Official data indicates that inbound tourism expanded at a higher annual rate during this period, with separate statistical measures used for domestic and international travel.
China remained the primary source of inbound visitors, while countries from the Persian Gulf, along with Turkey and India, also contributed notable numbers of tourists. In the first half of the year, international visitors explored areas beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, with Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan among the cities highlighted by Russian officials. Russia maintained direct international air connections to 34 destinations, including routes serving markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s Foreign Tourism Market
The latest tourism data was shared during discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism across Northeast Asia, including projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. These meetings reviewed developments surrounding the Great Tea Road, a historic route linking several regions, with plans to develop about 20 areas across Russia’s broad territories, including the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, extending toward Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Additional projects discussed included initiatives around Vladivostok and travel connections involving the Trans-Siberian Railway. The tourism agenda also highlighted development around Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome, emphasizing regional cooperation and promotion of cross-border travel.
Visa-Free Arrangements Bolster Russia-China 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 through Dec. 31, 2027, while China has maintained its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until the same date. Eligible Russian passport holders may visit China without a visa for stays up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit under the designated conditions.
The volume of cross-border travel between Russia and China was already on the rise before these latest half-year figures. Chinese statistics indicated that 154,200 Chinese tourists traveled to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, showing a 44% increase compared to the same quarter in 2025. Meanwhile, Russia ranked among the top sources of inbound tourists to China during the first half of 2026. The current Russian tourism statistics confirm that China remains Russia’s largest foreign visitor market, accounting for over 20% of all international arrivals recorded in the country.