MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia welcomed 2.5 million foreign visitors, representing a 20.1% increase compared to the same period the previous year. China continued to be the top source of tourists, making up more than 22% of all international arrivals. These latest figures highlight the upward trend in Russia’s inbound tourism from January through June. During meetings in Shenyang, China, Nikita Kondratiev, a senior official at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, shared the tourism data.
The statistics are based on official reports that track foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities across Russia. Rosstat also reported that Russians undertook 43.2 million domestic trips in the first half of 2026. This marked a growth of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Consequently, inbound tourism expanded at a faster yearly pace than domestic tourism, according to the separate official metrics used for each category.
During the first half of 2026, China maintained its position as Russia’s largest source of foreign visitors. Tourists from Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and India also ranked as key source markets. International travelers explored destinations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, including Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russian authorities have also reported direct international flights connecting with 34 destinations, covering several nations in Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s International Tourist Arrivals
These recent tourism figures were presented during a Tourism Council gathering of the Greater Tumen Initiative held in Shenyang. Delegates also participated in a seminar focusing on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. Discussions included cross-border travel initiatives involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. One of the key projects was the development of the historic Great Tea Road tourism route, which is now in the implementation phase and is expected to include around 20 Russian regions.
The Russian section of the Great Tea Road stretches from the Far East and Siberia, passing through the Urals and Volga region, and continues toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Other tourism initiatives discussed involved connections between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as tourism growth around Vladivostok. Participants also examined the Trans-Siberian Railway, Lake Baikal, and scientific tourism linked to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Travel Arrangements Strengthen Between Russia and China
As visitor numbers increase, travel regulations between Russia and China have been adjusted. Russia has extended visa-free entry for eligible Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027. Similarly, China has prolonged its visa-free policy for Russian nationals until the same date. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that ordinary Russian passport holders can visit without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
The first-half statistics reflect a broader rise in cross-border travel between the two nations. According to Chinese official data, 154,200 Chinese tourists traveled to Russia during the first quarter of 2026, which is a 44% increase year-on-year. Russia was also the second most popular inbound destination for Chinese travelers during the first half. These figures position China as the leading foreign source market for Russia, accounting for more than 20% of all international visitors recorded.