MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – During the first half of 2026, Russia welcomed 2.5 million foreign tourists, representing a 20.1% increase compared to the previous year. China remained the primary source of inbound visitors, accounting for over 22% of all international arrivals. These latest statistics underscore the upward trend in Russia’s inbound tourism from January through June. Nikita Kondratiev, a senior official at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, disclosed the tourism data during meetings held in Shenyang, China.
The figures are based on official tourism data that include foreign visitors utilizing collective accommodation facilities across Russia. Additionally, Rosstat data indicated that Russians made 43.2 million domestic trips in the first six months of 2026, reflecting a growth of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025. As a result, inbound tourism expanded at a faster annual rate than domestic tourism, according to the separate official metrics used for each category.
During the first half, China held the largest share of Russia’s foreign visitor market. Other notable source countries included travelers from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. Foreign tourists also extended their visits beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg to destinations such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russian authorities have also reported that there are direct international flights connecting 34 locations, including several countries across Asia and the Middle East.
China dominates Russia’s inbound tourism market
The most recent tourism statistics were revealed at a Tourism Council session of the Greater Tumen Initiative held in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia, discussing cross-border projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. Among these initiatives was the development of the historic Great Tea Road tourism route, which has now entered the implementation phase and is planned to include approximately 20 Russian regions.
The Russian segment of the Great Tea Road is proposed to run from the Far East and Siberia through the Urals and Volga regions, extending toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Other tourism projects discussed included connections between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as tourism growth around Vladivostok. The delegates also examined the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Lake Baikal area, and scientific tourism linked to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-free travel arrangements expand between Russia and China
As cross-border travel between the two nations increases, visa policies have evolved. Russia has extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese nationals through December 31, 2027. Similarly, China has prolonged its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until the same date. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that ordinary Russian passport holders can visit without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit purposes.
The first-half data reflect a broader rise in bilateral travel, with Chinese official statistics showing that 154,200 Chinese tourists visited Russia during the first quarter of 2026—an increase of 44% year-on-year. During the same period, Russia ranked second among China’s sources of inbound tourists. These figures place China at the top of Russia’s foreign tourism market, making up over 20% of the recorded international arrivals.
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