MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – The Russian Ministry of Economic Development disclosed that Russia welcomed 2.5 million international visitors during the initial six months of 2026, marking a 20.1% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. China continued to be the leading source of these travelers, representing over 22% of all foreign arrivals. The latest statistics underscore the upward trend in Russia’s inbound tourism from January through June. Nikita Kondratiev, a senior official at the ministry, shared these figures at meetings held in Shenyang, China.
These figures are derived from official tourism data that accounts for foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities throughout Russia. Additionally, Rosstat data revealed that Russians undertook 43.2 million domestic trips in the first half of 2026, which is a 4.3% rise from the same period in 2025. As a result, inbound tourism experienced a faster annual growth rate compared to domestic travel, based on the separate official metrics used for each sector.
During the first half of 2026, China maintained its position as the largest source of foreign visitors to Russia. Other key markets included travelers from Persian Gulf nations, Turkey, and India. Visitors also journeyed beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg to destinations such as Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan. Russian officials have confirmed the existence of direct international air links with 34 locations, including several countries in Asia and the Middle East.
China Dominates Russia’s International Visitor Sector
The recent tourism statistics were unveiled during a Tourism Council gathering of the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Attendees also participated in a seminar dedicated to inbound tourism development in Northeast Asia. The discussions covered cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia, notably the progress on the historic Great Tea Road tourism route, which has advanced into the implementation phase and is expected to encompass about 20 Russian regions.
The Russian portion of the Great Tea Road is planned to stretch from the Far East and Siberia through the Urals and Volga regions, continuing toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Other tourism initiatives highlighted included the connection between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as tourism enhancement efforts around Vladivostok. The delegates also explored the Trans-Siberian Railway, Lake Baikal, and scientific tourism linked to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Visa-Free Arrivals between Russia and China Expand
As visitor numbers grow, travel policies between Russia and China have been adjusted. Russia has extended visa-free entry for eligible Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027. Similarly, China has prolonged its visa-free regime for Russian nationals to the same date. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that ordinary Russian passport holders can stay up to 30 days without a visa for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
These first-half figures reflect a broader increase in cross-border travel. According to Chinese official data, 154,200 Chinese tourists visited Russia during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 44% year-on-year rise. Russia ranked second among China’s sources of inbound travelers during this period. The new Russian statistics establish China as the top foreign market for Russia, accounting for more than 20% of all international visitors recorded.