Russia to Launch Visa-Free Travel for Indian Tourists by 2025
In a major step towards enhancing tourism ties, Russia is set to welcome visa-free tourist groups from India beginning in spring 2025, as reported by The Economic Times.
In a major step towards enhancing tourism ties, Russia is set to welcome visa-free tourist groups from India beginning in spring 2025, as reported by The Economic Times. This initiative aims to simplify travel and increase the influx of Indian tourists to Russian destinations, particularly Moscow.According to Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, “The visa-free arrangement, currently under development, is expected to significantly increase the number of Indian travellers to the Russian capital.” Russia's plan to launch visa-free travel comes on the heels of similar group travel arrangements for China and Iran, which have seen a positive response since their introduction in August 2023.
Key Benefits of Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel enables Indian tourists to enter Russia without the need to apply for a visa beforehand, simply requiring a passport for entry. This reduces paperwork, eliminates visa fees, and makes travel more convenient. Currently, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 62 countries globally.
Increasing Indian Visitor Numbers in Moscow
Moscow has witnessed a steady increase in Indian visitors. In the first half of 2024 alone, 28,500 Indian tourists visited Moscow, marking a 1.5-fold increase over the previous year. “In 2023, India was among the leading non-CIS countries in terms of visitors to Moscow, with over 60,000 Indian tourists—a 26% rise from 2022,” said Kozlov. Most Indian visitors come to Moscow for business or work-related purposes, with India ranking third among non-CIS countries for business tourism in the first quarter of 2024.
Current Russian Visa Options for Indian Citizens
For those still requiring visas, Russia offers several types:
Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and sightseeing.
Business Visa: For business meetings and professional events.
Private Visa: For visiting family or friends.
Work Visa: For employment.
Student Visa: For education in Russian institutions.
E-visa: Available since August 1, 2023, this is processed within four days and permits short stays of up to 16 days.
Russia granted 9,500 e-visas to Indian citizens last year, comprising 6% of total e-visas issued.Russian Visa Fees and Processing Times for Indian Travellers
Visa Type
Fees
Processing Time
Normal Visa (Single Entry)
Rs 6,480
4-20 Working Days
Normal Visa (Double Entry)
Rs 10,368
4-20 Working Days
Normal Visa (Multiple Entry)
Rs 19,440
4-20 Working Days
Urgent Visa (Single Entry)
Rs 12,960
1-3 Working Days
Urgent Visa (Double Entry)
Rs 20,736
1-3 Working Days
Urgent Visa (Multiple Entry)
Rs 38,880
1-3 Working Days
A Path Towards Stronger Tourism Links
The introduction of visa-free travel is anticipated to further strengthen the Russia-India relationship, offering Indian tourists an easy and affordable way to explore Russian destinations.
