MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia saw a total of 2.5 million international visitors, marking a 20.1% rise from the same period last year. The influx was led by travelers from China, who made up over 22% of all foreign guests recorded in Russia during these six months. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these statistics at tourism-focused meetings held in Shenyang, China. The figures encompass foreigners staying in collective accommodation facilities nationwide.
During the January to June period, Russia’s domestic tourism sector also demonstrated consistent growth. Rosstat reported 43.2 million domestic trips in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 4.3% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. The official data also indicates that inbound tourism expanded at a faster rate annually during this timeframe, with separate statistical measures used to track domestic and international travel.
China topped the list of inbound markets, with significant visitor numbers also coming from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. International tourists visited regions beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg during this period, with Russian officials highlighting cities such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russia maintained direct international air routes to 34 destinations, including routes connecting markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s Foreign Tourism Sector
The latest data was presented during tourism discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism initiatives across Northeast Asia. These meetings examined cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia, including the development of the historic Great Tea Road, a tourism route connecting various regions. The plan for Russia’s section involves approximately 20 regions spanning a large part of the country.
This route traverses areas in the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, ultimately extending to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The tourism agenda also addressed cooperation between border cities such as Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, along with developments around Vladivostok and travel connections related to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Additionally, attractions like Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome featured prominently in regional tourism plans.
Visa-Free Arrangements Facilitate Increased Travel Between Russia and China
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been expanded to ease access for eligible visitors. Russia has extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027. In parallel, China has maintained its visa-free policy for Russian nationals until the same date. Citizens holding valid Russian passports can visit China without a visa for stays up to 30 days, with permitted reasons including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit under specific conditions.
Travel between Russia and China had already seen growth prior to the latest half-year figures. According to Chinese data, 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% increase compared to the same quarter in 2025. Russia also ranked among the top sources of inbound visitors to China during the first half of 2026. The latest Russian tourism statistics confirm that China remained Russia’s largest foreign visitor market, accounting for more than one-fifth of all recorded international guests.