In August 2023, Indian travellers became eligible for e-visas to Russia, which are typically processed within four days
Russia and India are discussing a potential visa-free arrangement, possibly starting in spring 2025. This initiative would simplify travel between the two countries, particularly through visa-free group tourist exchanges. Currently, Indian nationals face a complex visa application process to visit Russia, requiring various categories like tourist, business, or student visas, along with extensive documentation.
However, the introduction of this visa-free option, building on similar arrangements with China and Iran, could make visiting Russia far more convenient. The Unified E-Visa (UEV) system, which was introduced in 2023, already simplifies the process by allowing Indian nationals to apply for a single visa online, valid for all types of visits, with a processing time of around four days.
The potential visa-free exchange would further strengthen tourism ties between the two nations, as India is increasingly becoming an important source of visitors to Russia. As of the first half of 2024, around 28,500 Indian tourists visited Moscow, marking a significant increase over the previous year, with many travelling for business purposes. A visa-free arrangement would likely boost this trend, making it easier for Indian travellers to explore Russia’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
This shift towards visa-free travel would not only benefit tourism but also enhance broader diplomatic and economic relations between Russia and India. The success of similar programs with China and Iran suggests the potential for positive outcomes. If implemented by spring 2025, the visa-free initiative could become a milestone in the growing relationship between the two countries, offering more opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and deeper collaboration.
According to Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, this agreement will boost the number of Indian travellers in the Russian capital. According to reports, he said, “It is predicted that thanks to the agreement, which is now under development, the number of travellers from India coming to the Russian capital will significantly increase.” Earlier this year, reports suggested that India had already emerged as a key market for Russia – with over 28,500 Indian travellers visiting Moscow in the first half of 2024. This was a 1.5 times increase from the same period last year.
