MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the initial six months of 2026, Russia saw an influx of 2.5 million international tourists, marking a 20.1% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. China continued to lead as the primary source of foreign travelers during this timeframe, with Chinese visitors making up over 22% of all foreign arrivals documented in Russia. These statistics were shared by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development during tourism-focused meetings in Shenyang, China. The figures encompass foreign guests staying in collective accommodation facilities across the nation.
Domestic travel within Russia also saw steady expansion from January to June. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic tourist trips in the first half of 2026. This represents a 4.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Official data indicates that inbound tourism experienced a faster rate of growth annually during this period. It is important to note that separate statistical measures are used for domestic and international travel.
China remained the dominant inbound market. Alongside China, visitors from Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and India contributed significant numbers to inbound tourism. During the first half of the year, international travelers explored destinations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg. Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan were among the cities highlighted by Russian officials. Russia continues to operate direct international air routes to 34 destinations, including routes serving markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead as Russia’s Largest International Tourism Source
These latest tourism figures were presented during discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Delegates also participated in a seminar focusing on inbound tourism throughout Northeast Asia. The meetings included reviews of cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. One of the projects discussed was the development of the Great Tea Road, a historic tourism corridor connecting several regions. The plan for Russia’s section involves approximately 20 regions across a broad area of the country.
This route crosses areas in the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region before extending toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. The tourism talks also examined connections between neighboring border cities like Blagoveshchensk and Heihe. Additional projects discussed included tourist development around Vladivostok and travel links related to the Trans-Siberian Railway. The agenda also highlighted tourism around Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Arrangements Bolster Travel Between Russia and China
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been eased to facilitate access for eligible travelers. Russia extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027. Conversely, China also maintained its visa-free policy for Russian citizens through the same date. Eligible Russian passport holders can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy covers tourism, business visits, family visits, exchanges, and transit under specified entry conditions.
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. This represents a 44% increase from the same period in 2025. Russia was also among the top sources of inbound visitors to China during the first half of the year. The latest tourism figures from Russia confirm that China continues to be the largest foreign visitor market, accounting for over 20% of all recorded international arrivals.