Visa-Free Travel : In a bid to strengthen tourism and business ties, Russia is planning to introduce visa-free travel for Indian tourists by spring 2025. This follows the successful implementation of similar programs with China and Iran, and will significantly enhance the ease of travel for Indian citizens. The announcement marks a major step toward closer collaboration between the two countries, reflecting Russia’s growing focus on Indian tourism.
India has become an increasingly important market for Russian tourism. In the first half of 2024 alone, 28,500 Indian tourists visited Moscow, marking a 1.5-fold increase compared to the previous year. Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted that most Indian visitors travel to Russia for business or work-related purposes, underscoring India’s significant role in Russia’s tourism sector.
Unified E-Visa System: Since August 2023, Indian passport holders have been able to use Russia’s Unified E-Visa (UEV) for travel. This single-entry visa allows access to the entire Russian Federation for tourism, business, and participation in events such as cultural, scientific, or sports activities. The UEV simplifies the visa process and is available to citizens of 64 countries, including India. With a processing time of around four days, it has become a popular option for Indian travellers.
Visa-Free Travel: The Next Step: Building on the success of the UEV, Russia is moving towards a visa-free arrangement for Indian tourists. The upcoming change, expected to take effect by spring 2025, would eliminate the need for Indian citizens to apply for a visa before traveling to Russia. This move mirrors the successful visa-free travel programs Russia has implemented with China and Iran. The new system promises to foster greater tourism and business exchanges between the two nations.
Current Visa Process: At present, Indian travellers must choose from several visa categories, such as tourist, business, humanitarian, private, work, or student visas. A visa-free system would remove this complexity, making travel to Russia more accessible and convenient for Indian citizens.
Indian Passport Advantages: Indian passport holders already enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, including popular destinations across Europe and Asia. By adding Russia to this list, Indian tourists will gain even more opportunities for cultural and economic exchange, strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The Unified E-Visa Process: For those not covered by the upcoming visa-free program, the Unified E-Visa application process remains straightforward. Applicants can register online through the Russian consulate portal, with an average processing time of four days. It’s important to ensure that personal details match the pre-registration system to avoid rejection. Diplomatic and official visa applicants have a separate application process.
The anticipated introduction of visa-free travel for Indian citizens represents a significant milestone in India-Russia relations, particularly in the areas of tourism and business. As both countries look to expand their cultural, economic, and diplomatic exchanges, this move is expected to pave the way for a new chapter in their bilateral ties. Until the visa-free arrangement comes into effect, the Unified E-Visa remains a convenient option for Indian travellers planning to visit Russia.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!
