MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia saw an influx of 2.5 million international travelers, marking a 20.1% growth compared to the previous year. China continued to be the primary source of overseas visitors, with Chinese tourists making up over 22% of all foreign arrivals in Russia during this period. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these statistics at tourism meetings held in Shenyang, China. The reported figures include foreigners staying in collective accommodation facilities nationwide.
During the same timeframe, Russia’s domestic tourism sector also experienced steady expansion. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic trips made in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the same period last year. Official data indicate that inbound international tourism grew at a quicker annual rate during this period. It’s important to note that separate statistical measures are used for domestic and international travel categories.
China led the inbound tourism sector, with significant numbers also arriving from Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and India. Tourists traveled beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg during the initial half of 2026. Russian officials highlighted cities such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan as notable destinations. The country maintained direct international air connections to 34 locations, including routes serving markets across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s Foreign Tourism Sector
These recent statistics were presented during tourism discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Participants also engaged in a seminar focused on inbound tourism within Northeast Asia, covering cross-border travel initiatives involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. The development of the historic Great Tea Road, a tourism corridor connecting various regions, was reviewed. Its Russian segment is planned to encompass approximately 20 regions across a broad geographic area.
The proposed route traverses the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region before extending toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Discussions also included cooperation between border cities Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, along with projects to boost tourism around Vladivostok and links to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Regional tourism plans also highlight Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Arrangements Promote Visitor Exchange Between Russia and China
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been eased to facilitate easier access for eligible travelers. Russia extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027. Correspondingly, China extended its visa exemption policy for Russian citizens until the same date. Citizens holding valid Russian passports can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy covers tourism, business trips, family visits, exchanges, and transit under specified entry conditions.
Cross-border travel between the two nations had already seen growth prior to the latest half-year data. According to Chinese data, 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% increase from the same period in 2025. Russia remains among the top sources of inbound visitors to China, with the latest figures confirming that China still ranks as Russia’s largest foreign tourism market, accounting for more than 20% of international arrivals.