The key facts

  • Inbound tourist flow to Russia over 9 months of 2026 grew by 17.5% to 4.2 million people.
  • By year-end, the target of 6 million trips is planned thanks to the visa-free regime with China.
  • Chinese tourists spend an average of 150,000 rubles per trip, varying by region.

Growth of inbound tourism in Russia

Inbound tourist flow to Russia over the first nine months of 2026 increased by 17.5% compared with the same period last year and reached 4.2 million people. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced this at an off-site meeting of the government commission on tourism development. According to him, the positive dynamics are driven by the launch of e-visas, the introduction of a visa-free regime with China, the expansion of air services, and active promotion of the country's brand abroad.

Forecasts for the end of the year and spending structure

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that by the end of 2026 the level is expected to exceed 6 million trips. Earlier, the State Duma had predicted a doubling of tourist flow between Russia and China precisely because of the introduction of the visa-free regime. As for financial indicators, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) and the agency ExLibris, Chinese tourists spend an average of 150,000 rubles per trip. Spending varies depending on the destination: trips to Moscow and St. Petersburg may cost an additional 100,000–150,000 rubles on top of the tour price, while travel to Lake Baikal and Primorye is estimated at 50,000–100,000 rubles per person.