MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia welcomed 2.5 million foreign tourists, marking a 20.1% increase compared to the previous year. China remained the leading source of visitors, contributing over 22% to the total foreign arrivals. These latest figures underscore the upward trend in Russia’s inbound tourism between January and June. Nikita Kondratiev, a senior official from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, shared the tourism statistics during meetings held in Shenyang, China.
The statistics are based on official tourism data that tracks foreign visitors utilizing collective accommodation facilities throughout Russia. Rosstat reports also indicated that Russians completed 43.2 million domestic trips in the first six months of 2026, reflecting a growth of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Consequently, inbound tourism experienced a faster growth rate annually than domestic tourism, according to the separate official metrics used for each category.
China maintained the largest share of Russia’s foreign visitor market during this period. Tourists from Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and India also ranked among the key source markets. Additionally, foreign travelers ventured beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg to destinations such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russian officials further reported the existence of direct international air links connecting 34 destinations, including several countries in Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s International Tourist Arrivals
These latest tourism statistics were introduced during a Tourism Council meeting of the Greater Tumen Initiative held in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. Discussions covered various cross-border travel initiatives involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. A notable project was the development of the historic Great Tea Road tourism route, which has entered the implementation phase and will encompass roughly 20 Russian regions.
The Russian segment of the Great Tea Road will extend from the Far East and Siberia through the Urals and Volga region, continuing toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additional tourism projects discussed included connections between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as tourism growth around Vladivostok. The delegates also examined the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Lake Baikal area, and scientific tourism associated with the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Agreements Strengthen Travel Ties Between Russia and China
As cross-border travel has increased, Russia and China have modified their entry policies. Russia has extended visa-free entry for eligible Chinese nationals until Dec. 31, 2027, while China has reciprocated with a similar extension for Russian citizens. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, ordinary Russian passport holders may visit China without a visa for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit purposes.
The upward trajectory in travel between the two nations is also reflected in broader data. In the first quarter of 2026, Chinese tourists to Russia numbered 154,200, representing a 44% year-on-year increase. During the first half of 2026, Russia ranked second as a source of inbound visitors to China. These figures establish China as Russia’s primary foreign tourism market, accounting for more than one-fifth of all international visitors recorded.