Indians may soon be able to travel visa-free to Russia, with the new system expected to launch from spring 2025. This development follows discussions in June 2024 between Russia and India to facilitate bilateral visa-free group tourist exchanges for travel.
Since August 2023, Indian travelers have been eligible for e-visas to visit Russia, a process that takes around four days. India was among the top five countries for e-visas issued last year, with 9,500 visas granted to Indian nationals, media reports reveal.
Currently, Indian citizens must secure a visa from the Russian Embassy or Consulates to enter, stay, or exit the Russian Federation, a process that has traditionally been lengthy. However, Russia has seen a significant rise in Indian visitors. In 2023 alone, over 60,000 Indians traveled to Moscow, marking a 26% increase from 2022, primarily for business or official purposes.
India ranked third among non-CIS countries for business tourism in early 2024, with 1,700 e-visas issued in just the first quarter of the year. Russia’s existing visa-free tourist exchange programs with China and Iran have proven successful, and Moscow hopes to replicate the model with India.
Presently, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand. According to the Henley Passport Index 2024, India ranks 82nd globally. The index, based on International Air Transport Authority (IATA) data, assesses short-term visa-free travel for tourism and business purposes under standard entry requirements.
If implemented, the Russia-India visa-free system could further boost travel and strengthen bilateral ties, opening new opportunities for Indian tourists and business travelers.
The visa-free initiative is expected to not only simplify travel procedures but also foster greater tourism and economic collaboration between the two nations. Given the steady rise in Indian travelers to Russia, the move could significantly enhance people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.
The growing interest among Indian tourists aligns with Russia’s efforts to attract international visitors to diversify its economy. Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities offer a mix of historical landmarks, architectural marvels, and unique cultural experiences, which are increasingly appealing to Indian travelers. Similarly, Indian businesses see Russia as a key destination for trade and investment opportunities, further driving demand for streamlined travel.
Experts believe that visa-free access could lead to a substantial surge in Indian tourism to Russia, mirroring the success seen with China and Iran. It could also strengthen bilateral trade, particularly in sectors like energy, defense, and technology, where India and Russia have long-standing partnerships.
In the context of global travel trends, the move would enhance India’s position on the global mobility scale. With initiatives like this, Indian passport holders could experience greater access to destinations previously constrained by cumbersome visa requirements. It also aligns with India’s broader diplomatic efforts to improve ease of travel for its citizens across the globe.
