Indian tourists may travel visa-free to Russia, starting in 2025; here's all you need to know

Indian tourists could soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with the new arrangement potentially starting as early as spring 2025. This exciting development stems from ongoing discussions between the two nations aimed at easing visa restrictions and implementing a visa-free group tourist exchange program.

Since August 1, 2023, Indian travelers have been eligible to apply for Russia’s Unified e-Visa (UEV). The e-Visa, which typically takes four days to process, is a single-entry permit allowing visits for personal travel, business, tourism, or participation in cultural and scientific events. Despite this improvement, Indian visitors currently need to undergo a detailed visa application process to visit Russia.

Russia already allows visa-free entry for travelers from China and Iran through its tourist exchange programs, which have proven successful in increasing tourism and enhancing cultural ties. Buoyed by this success, Moscow hopes to establish a similar initiative with India to strengthen bilateral relations and attract more Indian tourists.

Indian passport holders already enjoy visa-free travel to 62 countries worldwide, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand. Ranked 82nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024, India is progressively working to expand its global travel privileges.