MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – The Russian Ministry of Economic Development announced that Russia hosted 2.5 million international tourists during the initial six months of 2026, marking a 20.1% increase compared to the same period last year. China continued to be the primary source of overseas travelers, accounting for over 22% of all foreign visitors recorded in Russia during this timeframe. The data was shared during tourism-focused meetings held in Shenyang, China, and encompasses visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities across the nation.
Throughout the first half of 2026, Russia also experienced steady growth within its domestic tourism sector. Rosstat reported a total of 43.2 million trips made by Russian residents, reflecting a 4.3% rise from the same period a year earlier. Official statistics indicate that inbound international tourism expanded at a quicker rate annually during this period, with separate metrics used to track domestic and foreign travel.
China led the inbound tourism sector, with visitors also arriving from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India in notable numbers. During the first half of the year, international tourists traveled beyond the major hubs of Moscow and St. Petersburg to destinations such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan, which were highlighted by Russian authorities. Russia maintained direct international air routes to 34 locations, covering regions across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Dominate Russia’s Foreign Tourism Market
The recent data was presented at tourism discussions under the Greater Tumen Initiative held in Shenyang. Participants also attended a seminar dedicated to inbound tourism in Northeast Asia, focusing on cross-border projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. Among the topics was the development of the Great Tea Road, an historic route linking several regions. Russia’s segment of the route is planned to span about 20 regions across a wide area of the country.
This route will traverse parts of the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, before extending toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. The tourism talks also explored cooperation between the border cities of Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as visitor initiatives around Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Railway. Other subjects included scientific tourism near Lake Baikal and activities related to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Travel Enhances Russia-China Visitor Exchanges
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been expanded to facilitate easier access for eligible travelers. Russia extended its visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027, and China reciprocated by extending its visa-free policy for Russian citizens through the same date. Russian passport holders eligible for this arrangement 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 entry conditions.
Prior to the latest half-year figures, cross-border travel between Russia and China had already increased significantly. Data from China indicated that 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% rise 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 figures confirm that China remained Russia’s largest foreign tourism market, making up more than one-fifth of all international arrivals recorded.