MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first six months of 2026, Russia saw an influx of 2.5 million international visitors, marking an increase of 20.1% compared to the previous year. The primary source of these tourists was China, which made up over 22% of all foreign arrivals during this period. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development released these statistics at tourism-focused meetings held in Shenyang, China. The figures specifically account for foreign travelers lodging in collective accommodation facilities nationwide.
Domestic tourism also experienced steady growth from January to June, with Rosstat reporting a total of 43.2 million trips within Russia. This represents a 4.3% rise compared to the same period in 2025. The official data reveal that inbound tourism expanded at a faster rate annually during this timeframe. It is important to note that separate statistical systems are used to measure domestic and international travel.
China remains the dominant source market for inbound visitors, with Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and India also contributing notable numbers. Foreign tourists visited locations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg in the first half of 2026. Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan are among the cities highlighted by Russian authorities. Additionally, Russia maintained direct international air routes to 34 destinations, connecting markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead as Russia’s Top Foreign Tourism Destination
These latest statistics were presented during tourism discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang, where delegates participated in a seminar dedicated to inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. The meetings focused on cross-border travel initiatives involving Russia, China, and Mongolia, including the development of the historic Great Tea Road, which links several regions. The Russian segment of this route is planned to include approximately 20 regions across a significant part of the country.
The proposed route traverses the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region before extending towards Moscow and St. Petersburg. Discussions also addressed connections between the neighboring border cities of Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, along with initiatives to develop tourism around Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Other regional projects involve promoting tourism at Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Travel Facilitates Increased Travel Between Russia and China
Travel arrangements between Russia and China have been further relaxed, allowing more eligible travelers to cross borders easily. Russia extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese nationals through Dec. 31, 2027, while China reciprocated with the same extension for Russian citizens. Travelers holding valid Russian passports can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days, with permitted purposes including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit, provided they meet the specified conditions.
Pre-existing data already indicated a rise in cross-border travel between Russia and China before the latest half-year figures. Chinese statistics showed 154,200 Chinese tourists traveled to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% increase from the same period in 2025. Russia also remained among the top sources of inbound visitors to China during the first half of 2026. The newest Russian tourism data confirms China continued to be the largest foreign market for Russia, accounting for more than 20% of all international arrivals recorded.
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