MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia recorded a total of 2.5 million international visitors, reflecting a rise of 20.1% compared to the same period the previous year. The primary source of these travelers remained China, which accounted for over 22% of all foreign arrivals in Russia during this period. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these statistics at tourism conferences held in Shenyang, China. The figures pertain to foreign guests staying at collective accommodation establishments across the nation.
Meanwhile, Russia’s domestic tourism sector continued its upward trend during January through 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. Official data indicates that inbound tourism experienced a faster growth rate annually during this timeframe, with separate statistical measures used to track domestic and international travel.
China topped the list of inbound visitors, complemented by significant numbers from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. During the first half of the year, international tourists explored destinations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, with cities like Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan being highlighted by Russian officials. Russia maintained direct international air connections to 34 locations, including routes servicing markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China continues to be Russia’s primary foreign tourism destination
The latest tourism data was presented during discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia, reviewing cross-border projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. One such initiative is the development of the Great Tea Road, a historic tourism corridor linking multiple regions. The Russian segment of this route is planned to span approximately 20 regions across a broad expanse of the country.
This proposed pathway traverses Russian territories in the Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, eventually reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg. Regional tourism discussions also included enhancing links between neighboring border cities such as Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, along with projects around Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Other priorities include promoting tourism around Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-free policies bolster travel flows between Russia and China
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been expanded to facilitate easier access for eligible travelers. Russia extended its visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027, while China reciprocated with a similar extension for Russian nationals. Russian passport holders who meet the criteria can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days, covering tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit under specified conditions.
Cross-border travel between Russia and China had already shown growth prior to the latest half-year data. Chinese statistics indicated that 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, a 44% increase compared to the same quarter in 2025. Russia also remained one of the leading sources of inbound visitors to China during the first half of 2026. The latest figures reaffirm that China continues to be Russia’s largest foreign visitor market, representing more than 20% of all recorded international arrivals.
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