Indians could soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with a new system expected to roll out by spring 2025. Discussions on a bilateral agreement to ease visa restrictions began in June, aiming to introduce visa-free group tourist exchanges between the two nations.
Since August 2023, Indian travelers have been eligible for e-visas to Russia, which take approximately four days to process. In 2023, India ranked among the top five countries for e-visas issued, with 9,500 e-visas granted to Indian citizens, according to The Indian Express.
Currently, Indian nationals require a visa issued by the Russian Embassy or Consulates to enter, stay, or exit Russia, a process often described as lengthy. Most Indian travelers visit Russia for business or official purposes. In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow—a 26% rise compared to 2022. Early in 2024, India ranked third among non-CIS countries for business tourism, with 1,700 e-visas issued in the first quarter alone.
Russia already offers visa-free entry to travelers from China and Iran under its tourist exchange program, a successful initiative Moscow hopes to extend to India.
Meanwhile, Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand. Ranked 82nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024, India’s position is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index assumes basic entry requirements are met, covering short stays for tourism or business, while excluding special scenarios like diplomatic or emergency travel.
