Indian travelers may soon enjoy visa-free access to Russia, with a new system expected to roll out by spring 2025. This follows bilateral discussions between India and Russia earlier in 2024 to implement a visa-free group tourism program. The move aims to deepen tourism and economic ties between the two countries, replicating Russia’s successful visa-free arrangements with China and Iran.
Currently, Indian nationals require a visa issued by the Russian Embassy or Consulates to enter, stay, and exit Russia. Though e-visas introduced in August 2023 have streamlined this process taking only four days for approval it still involves a formal application. India emerged as one of the top five countries for Russian e-visa issuance last year, with 9,500 e-visas granted to Indian travelers in 2023. To apply, Indian citizens must schedule an appointment, submit accurate personal information, and ensure their details match the registration system to avoid delays or rejections.
Despite the existing visa requirements, Russia remains a significant destination for Indian visitors, particularly for business and official purposes. In 2023, over 60,000 Indians traveled to Moscow, reflecting a 26% rise from the previous year. The trend has continued into 2024, with a notable 1.5-fold increase in Indian visitors to Moscow during the first half of the year, totaling 28,500 travelers. India also ranked third among non-CIS countries for Russian business tourism, with 1,700 e-visas issued in just the first quarter of 2024.
Russia’s move to extend its visa-free tourist exchange program to India mirrors its earlier successes with China and Iran, which boosted tourism and economic engagement for Moscow. For India, this development aligns with its growing global mobility. Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free travel to 62 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand. India also ranks 82nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024.
By easing travel restrictions, Russia aims to attract a larger volume of Indian tourists while strengthening bilateral relations. If implemented, the program could enhance both tourism and business exchanges, offering Indian travelers greater convenience and reinforcing Russia as a preferred destination.
