Indians will soon be able to travel to Russia without a tourist visa, thanks to a new visa-free travel arrangement expected to launch in spring 2025. This development follows ongoing discussions between India and Russia aimed at easing visa restrictions and facilitating group tourist exchanges.
Currently, Indian travelers can apply for a Unified E-Visa (UEV), which allows entry into the entire Russian Federation for personal travel, business, or cultural events. The UEV is processed in about four days and has become increasingly popular among Indian tourists.
In fact, India ranks third among non-CIS countries for business tourism, with over 60,000 Indians traveling to Moscow in 2023, reflecting a 26% increase from the previous year. The first half of 2024 saw approximately 28,500 Indian visitors to Moscow alone, marking a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
While the exact steps for applying for visa-free travel are still being finalized, it’s expected that Indian tourists will be able to enter Russia without prior visa approval. Until then, travelers can apply for the Unified E-Visa through the official website of the Russian Embassy or Consulate.
