MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first six months of 2026, Russia saw a rise of 20.1% in foreign tourism, totaling 2.5 million international visitors. China continued to be the primary source of overseas travelers during this period, with Chinese tourists making up more than 22% of all foreign arrivals recorded in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these statistics during tourism meetings held in Shenyang, China. These figures represent foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities throughout the nation.
The growth in Russia’s domestic tourism sector also persisted from January to June. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic trips made in the first half of 2026, marking a 4.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Official data indicate that international tourism experienced a faster annual growth during this timeframe, with separate statistical measures used for domestic and international travel categories.
China remained the dominant source of inbound visitors, complemented by significant numbers from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. During the first half of 2026, international tourists traveled beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, with Russian officials highlighting cities like Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russia maintained direct international air connections to 34 destinations, including routes that serve markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s Foreign Tourism Market
The recent statistics were presented at tourism discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Participants also engaged in a seminar centered on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia, exploring cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. The development of the Great Tea Road, a historic route linking various regions, was reviewed, with plans to develop about 20 Russian regions along its route, covering the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, extending towards Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Additional topics of discussion included connectivity between border cities Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, tourism initiatives around Vladivostok, and travel linked to the Trans-Siberian Railway. The agenda also highlighted scientific tourism near Lake Baikal and activities around the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Arrivals Bolster Russia-China Visitor Exchange
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been expanded to facilitate easier entry for eligible travelers. Russia has extended visa-free access for qualifying Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027, while China has maintained its visa-free policy for Russian citizens through the same date. Under this policy, Russian passport holders can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit, provided they meet the specified conditions.
Cross-border travel between the two countries had already increased before these latest figures for the first half of 2026. Chinese data indicated that 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter, representing a 44% rise compared to the same period in 2025. Russia also continued to be among China’s top sources of inbound tourists during the first half. The newest Russian tourism data reaffirm China’s position as Russia’s largest foreign visitor market, accounting for over 20% of all international arrivals recorded in the country.