MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia welcomed a total of 2.5 million international tourists, marking an increase of 20.1% compared to the previous year. China continued to be the leading source country, representing over 22% of all foreign visitors. These latest statistics highlight the ongoing expansion of Russia’s inbound tourism during January through June. Nikita Kondratiev, a senior official at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, shared these tourism figures at meetings held in Shenyang, China.
The figures are based on official tourism data that include foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities throughout Russia. Additionally, Rosstat reported that Russians made 43.2 million domestic trips during the first half of 2026, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the same period in 2025. Consequently, inbound tourism grew at a faster rate than domestic travel in the period, according to the separate official statistics used for each sector.
During the first half of 2026, China remained the largest market for foreign visitors to Russia. Other prominent source countries included travelers from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. Visitors also explored beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, heading to destinations such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russian officials have also reported direct international air routes connecting 34 locations, including several countries across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Lead Russia’s Foreign Visitor Market
The most recent tourism statistics were shared during a Tourism Council gathering of the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar focused on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. The discussions covered cross-border travel initiatives involving Russia, China, and Mongolia, such as the development of the historic Great Tea Road tourism route, which has entered the implementation phase and aims to include approximately 20 Russian regions.
The Russian section of the Great Tea Road stretches from the Far East and Siberia through the Urals and Volga regions, continuing toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additional projects discussed included the links between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as tourism growth around Vladivostok. Delegates also addressed the Trans-Siberian Railway, Lake Baikal, and scientific tourism tied to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa Regulations Between Russia and China Are Eased for Travelers
Changes to travel rules between Russia and China have coincided with the rise in visitor numbers. Russia has extended visa-free entry for eligible Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027, while China has maintained its visa-free policy for Russian visitors through the same date. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, ordinary Russian passport holders are permitted to stay without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
The first-half data reflect an overall increase in cross-border travel between the two nations. Official Chinese figures indicate that 154,200 Chinese tourists traveled to Russia during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% year-on-year growth. Russia was also the second most common inbound destination for Chinese travelers during the first half of 2026. These new figures position China as the top foreign market for Russia’s international visitors, accounting for more than 20% of all recorded overseas tourists.