Indian tourists might soon have the opportunity to visit Russia without the hassle of obtaining a visa, with this new arrangement expected to begin by March 2025. This development follows discussions held in June between Russian and Indian officials aimed at easing visa restrictions.
Currently, Indian travelers must apply for visas based on their specific reasons for visiting Russia, including tourism, business, humanitarian work, private visits, employment, or study. This process often requires extensive documentation and careful planning.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in Indian visitors to Russia. According to Evgeny Kozlov, the Moscow City Tourism Committee Chairman, around 28,500 Indian tourists traveled to Moscow in the first half of 2024 alone, representing a significant 50% increase compared to the previous year. Most of these visits were for business-related purposes.
In 2023, India ranked highly among non-CIS countries for tourism to Moscow, with over 60,000 visitors recorded, marking a 26% rise from 2022. This growing interest has led Russian authorities to prioritize India as a key market for tourism development.
What does Visa-Free Travel Mean?
Visa-Free Travel Allows Entry to Countries Without Prior Visa Approval. Travelers can simply show their passports upon arrival, which streamlines the entry process and eliminates visa-related costs. Currently, holders of Indian passports can access 62 countries without a visa.
How to Apply Free Visa to Russia?
Go to the Official Website: Visit the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ e-visa portal.
Fill Out the Application: Fill in the online form with your details and upload the necessary documents. This includes a digital copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Pay the Fee: Pay the processing fee, which is around INR 4,400, using an international credit or debit card.
Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the form and processed your payment, go ahead and submit your application through the Website.
Wait for Approval: Processing usually takes about four days. You will get an email confirmation as soon as your visa is approved.
Destinations Open to Indian Passport Holders Without a Visa
Traveling to countries without the need for a visa greatly simplifies your travel arrangements. Below is a selection of countries that Indian passport holders can visit without requiring a visa:
| Barbados | Haiti | Nepal | Senegal |
| Hong Kong SAR | Niue Island | Sri Lanka | Dominican Republic |
| Qatar | St. Lucia | Fiji | Maldives |
| Bhutan | Kazakhstan | Sant vincent & the Grenadines | The Cook Islands |
