MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – In the first half of 2026, Russia saw a 20.1% rise in foreign visitors, reaching 2.5 million. China continued to be the top source of international travelers during this period. Chinese tourists accounted for more than 22% of all foreign guests recorded in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development shared these figures at tourism meetings in Shenyang, China. The data reflects foreign visitors staying in collective accommodation facilities across the country.
Domestic tourism also expanded during January to June. According to Rosstat, there were 43.2 million domestic trips in the first half of 2026. This represents a 4.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Official data indicates that inbound tourism grew faster annually during this time. The statistics distinguish between domestic and international travel for accuracy.
China led the inbound visitor market. Countries in the Persian Gulf, Turkey, and India also sent notable numbers of tourists. International travelers visited locations beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg in the first half. Murmansk, Vladivostok, and Kazan were among the cities highlighted by Russian officials. Russia maintained direct international flights with 34 destinations, including routes across Asia and the Middle East.
China Continues to Be Russia’s Top Foreign Tourist Destination
These latest figures were discussed during the Greater Tumen Initiative in Shenyang. Delegates participated in a seminar on inbound tourism in Northeast Asia. The meetings covered cross-border travel projects involving Russia, China, and Mongolia. They reviewed the development of the Great Tea Road, a historic route linking regions for tourism. The Russian section will connect about 20 areas across a broad part of the country.
This route will span the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga region, eventually reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg. Discussions also included travel links between border cities Blagoveshchensk and Heihe. Other projects involved developing visitors around Vladivostok and improving travel options via the Trans-Siberian Railway. Attractions like Lake Baikal and scientific tourism near the Vostochny Cosmodrome also featured in regional planning.
Visa-Free Travel Facilitates Increased Russia-China Tourism
Travel regulations between Russia and China have been relaxed, allowing easier access for eligible visitors. Russia extended visa-free entry for qualifying Chinese citizens through Dec. 31, 2027. China extended its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until the same date. Russians with valid passports can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy includes tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit under specific conditions.
Cross-border travel between the two countries was already rising before these latest figures. Chinese data shows 154,200 tourists traveled from China to Russia in the first quarter of 2026. This is a 44% increase from the same period in 2025. Russia also ranked among the top sources of inbound visitors to China in the first half. The recent Russian tourism data confirms China remained the largest foreign visitor market, making up over 20% of all international arrivals recorded in Russia.