MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – During the first half of 2026, Russia experienced a 20.1% increase in foreign tourist arrivals, totaling 2.5 million visitors. The dominant source country remained China, which accounted for more than 22% of all international visitors recorded in Russia during this period. These figures were presented by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development at tourism-focused meetings held in Shenyang, China. The data encompass foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities nationwide.
Growth was also notable within Russia’s domestic tourism sector between January and June, with Rosstat reporting 43.2 million domestic trips, representing a 4.3% rise compared to the same period in 2025. Official statistics indicate that inbound tourism expanded at a faster annual rate during this timeframe, although the figures for domestic and international travel are calculated separately.
China topped the inbound tourism market, with significant numbers also arriving from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. International tourists explored destinations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, with Russian officials highlighting cities such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russia maintained direct international air links to 34 locations, covering markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead as Russia’s Top Foreign Tourism Destination
The latest tourism figures were presented at the Greater Tumen Initiative meetings in Shenyang, where delegates also participated in a seminar centered on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. Discussions focused on cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia, including the development of the historic Great Tea Road, which connects multiple regions. The Russian segment of this route is planned to span around 20 regions across a broad area of the country.
This route traverses the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, ultimately extending towards Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additional discussions covered the enhancement of visitor access around Vladivostok, the development of travel links connected to the Trans-Siberian Railway, and regional attractions like Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Arrangements Bolster Russia-China Tourist Exchange
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been relaxed further, facilitating easier access for eligible travelers. Russia extended visa-free entry to qualifying Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027, while China reciprocated by maintaining its visa-free policy for Russian nationals until the same date. Citizens of Russia with eligible passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, whether for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit, provided they meet the specified entry conditions.
International cross-border travel between Russia and China had already increased prior to the latest half-year data. Chinese statistics indicated 154,200 travelers from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, a 44% rise from the same period in 2025. Russia also ranked among the top sources of inbound visitors to China during the first half of 2026. These latest figures confirm that China remained Russia’s largest international visitor market, representing over 20% of recorded foreign guests.