Foreign tourist arrivals to Russia increased 20 per cent to 2.5 million in the first half of 2026, with Chinese nationals accounting for more than 22 per cent of visitors, according to Russian Ministry of Economic Development official Nikita Kondratiev.
The figures were presented at a Tourism Council of the
Greater Tumen Initiative meeting and an inbound tourism seminar in Shenyang,
China.
Russia has also extended visa-free entry for Chinese
citizens until the end of 2027, while China announced in May that it would
extend visa-free entry for Russian citizens until the same date.
The measures are expected to support continued growth in
tourism and strengthen travel links between Russia and China.