Moscow Targets 5.5 Million Chinese Visitors Annually by 2030

Russia is setting ambitious goals for Chinese tourism, aiming to welcome 5.5 million visitors from China each year by 2030. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko revealed that the Far East region alone is expected to attract 1.8 million of those travelers. The push follows the introduction of a visa-free regime between the two countries, which has already sparked a significant surge in cross-border trips.

According to Rudenko, the numbers tell a clear story of growing demand. In 2025, tourist exchanges between Russia and China rose 17% compared to the previous year, surpassing 3 million trips. The momentum continued into the first quarter of this year, with a remarkable 50% jump in tourist travel year-over-year. Chinese tourists now make up three-quarters of all international visitors to Russia's Far East, underscoring the region's strong appeal.

Rudenko credited the traditional friendship between the two nations as a major driver of this positive trend. He noted that residents of Russia's Far East and Chinese citizens share a deep interest in each other's culture, history, and natural attractions. The Russian Foreign Ministry continues to prioritize easing travel procedures, particularly along the Asian vector, to sustain and accelerate this growth.