: Russia to Offer Visa-Free Travel for Indians by Spring 2025

India (14 December, 2024): Indian tourists may soon be able to visit Russia without needing a visa. This new visa-free travel agreement is expected to start in spring 2025. The plan aims to make it easier for Indian tourists to explore Russia and enjoy its rich culture and history.

Currently, Indian travelers can apply for a Unified e-Visa (UEV), introduced on August 1, 2023. These e-visas are typically issued within four days, making it simpler for Indians to travel to Russia. In 2023, India ranked among the top five countries for the number of e-visas issued, with 9,500 e-visas granted, accounting for 6% of the total.

Most Indians visiting Russia now do so for business and work purposes. In 2023, over 60,000 Indian travelers visited Moscow, a 26% increase compared to the previous year. By January 2024, nearly 1,700 e-visas had already been issued to Indian tourists.

Russia’s visa-free travel program is already available for citizens of China and Iran. Indian travelers will soon join this group, making trips more convenient and cost-effective. Currently, obtaining a Russian visa involves a detailed process that requires planning. The new agreement will save time and money for Indian travelers.

In June 2023, Russia and India discussed this bilateral agreement to ease visa rules. The plan also includes visa-free group tourist exchanges, which could further increase tourism between the two countries.

Tourism officials in Russia have highlighted the growing number of Indian visitors. This growth shows the strong interest Indian travelers have in exploring Russia.

Indian passport holders already enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries worldwide. Adding Russia to this list will expand travel opportunities and boost tourism. Russia is becoming an essential market for Indian leisure and business travelers.

This agreement is expected to strengthen ties between India and Russia while making travel easier for Indian tourists. Whether for business or leisure, this new development will open up more opportunities for Indians to explore Russia’s unique attractions.

The visa-free plan is a positive step toward promoting tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. By 2025, Indian travelers can look forward to a hassle-free experience visiting Russia.