MOSCOW (Diya TV) — Indian travelers may soon visit Russia without a tourist visa with a bilateral agreement likely to be concluded by spring 2025. Moscow and New Delhi have been holding ongoing consultations since June this year, which seek to make group tourists travel visa-free.
Currently, Indian citizens can travel to 62 countries without a visa, and Russia could soon join that list. This move comes after the introduction of e-visas for Indian passport holders in August 2023, which has already streamlined the process. E-visas to Russia are usually processed within four days, and the initiative has already strengthened tourism ties between the two nations.
India Today reported that in 2023, Russia issued some 9,500 e-visas to Indian travelers. This means that approximately 6% of all the e-visas were granted to Indian travelers. Today, India ranks in the top five countries with simplified visa procedures in Russia.
This steady growth in Indian visitors to Russia has brought attention to the increasing tourism and business connections between the two nations. Indians also come as business travelers and even professionals looking for work in the country. In terms of business-related travel to Russia, India ranked third from non-CIS countries, during the first quarter of 2024.
The proposed visa-free travel arrangement, which is expected to cover group tourist exchanges, could be a huge boost to tourism. Industry experts believe that this development will further strengthen the diplomatic and economic relationship between India and Russia.
Russia’s effort to facilitate easier travel for Indian tourists comes as both nations seek to deepen their cultural and economic ties. The easing of visa restrictions is part of Russia’s broader strategy to attract more international tourists and business visitors in the post-pandemic world.
Since these visas were free, it meant India would have an easier entrance to Russia as these travellers already enjoy visa free access to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, or even the Maldives; more Indian tourists are believed to visit Russia’s rich cultural and historical landmarks alongside doing business.
Both governments are expected to finalize the details of the agreement in early 2025, and an official announcement is expected soon. Until then, Indian travelers will continue to rely on the e-visa system, which has proven itself to be a successful and efficient option.
