India and Russia Forge Stronger Travel Connections with Upcoming Visa-Free Regime for Group Tourists While Offering Multiple Visa Options to Suit Every Traveler’s Needs

Published on December 6, 2025

India and Russia are taking significant steps to enhance bilateral travel, with plans for a visa-free regime for group tourists in the near future. This move aims to simplify travel between the two nations, fostering stronger ties and increasing tourism. While the details of this arrangement are still being finalized, Indian travelers can still access Russia through various visa options, tailored to specific needs such as tourism, business, work, or education. These visa pathways ensure that travelers can easily plan their trips to Russia, whether it’s for a short visit, professional engagement, or long-term stay.

India and Russia are working towards establishing a visa-free regime for group tourists, a move that is expected to simplify travel between the two countries. While the details of this arrangement are still in the final stages, Indian nationals are currently required to obtain a visa to visit Russia. The type of visa needed depends on the purpose of travel, and the visa application process varies accordingly. For short-term travelers, an e-visa is often sufficient, while long-term travelers or those seeking employment or study opportunities must follow more intricate procedures to secure the appropriate visa.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the different types of visas available for Indian nationals planning to visit Russia:

1. Tourist Visa

A traditional tourist visa is required for short visits, such as holidays or personal trips. The application process involves obtaining a tourist confirmation letter from a registered Russian hotel or travel agency. Tourist visas can be issued for either single or double entries and are typically valid for stays of up to 30 days.

Required Documents:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel
• A completed online visa application form
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Travel insurance valid in Russia
• A tourist confirmation letter (for sticker visas)
• Flight and accommodation details (if requested)

Processing Time and Fees:

• e-visa: ₹3,600 (approx.), with a processing time of 4–7 days
• Tourist sticker visa: ₹6,000–₹7,500 (approx.), depending on the number of entries. Processing takes 4–10 working days.

2. Unified e-Visa

India is now eligible for Russia’s electronic visa (e-visa), which is designed for tourism, business meetings, or cultural events. This visa is a convenient option for short-term travelers, allowing a stay of up to 16 days. The process is fully online, and no physical submission of the passport is required.

Required Documents:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A completed online visa application form
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Travel insurance valid in Russia

Processing Time and Fees:

• e-visa: ₹3,600 (approx.), processing time: 4–7 days

3. Business and Investment Visas

Russian business visas are used for meetings, negotiations, site visits, or establishing business operations in Russia. There is no separate “investor visa”; travelers involved in investment activities must apply for a business visa instead.

Types of Business Visas:

• Single-entry (up to 90 days)
• Double-entry (up to 90 days)
• Multiple-entry (valid for 6 or 12 months)

Required Documents:

• A formal invitation from a Russian company
• For longer, multiple-entry visas, the invitation must be processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Russia or an authorized agency.

Processing Time and Fees:

• Cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000 (approx.), depending on entries and processing speed
• Processing time: 4–20 working days, with expedited options available.

4. Work Visa

Work visas are more complex, as they require prior approval from Russian authorities. Applicants must first secure a job offer from a Russian employer, who will then apply for a work invitation.

Process for Obtaining a Work Visa:

1. The applicant must receive a job offer from a Russian employer.
2. The employer applies for a work invitation through the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Russia.
3. Once the invitation is issued, the applicant can submit their visa application.

Required Documents:

• A passport and completed visa form
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Official work invitation
• Health insurance
• Employment contract or offer letter
• Educational certificates, if required

Processing Time and Fees:

• Cost: ₹13,000–₹20,000 (approx.), including visa center fees
• Processing time: 4–20 working days after receiving the invitation

5. Student Visa

Indian students wishing to study in Russia need to apply for a student visa. The process begins once students secure admission at a Russian university and obtain an official invitation letter from the institution.

Steps for Securing a Student Visa:

1. Secure admission at a Russian university and obtain the invitation letter.
2. Complete the visa application form and prepare photographs.
3. Purchase medical insurance accepted in Russia.
4. Submit all documents to a Russian visa center or consulate in India.

Required Documents:

• University invitation letter
• Passport and completed visa form
• Medical insurance
• Recent photograph
• Proof of fee payment or scholarship (if requested)

Processing Time and Fees:

• Single-entry student visa: ₹6,000–₹7,000 (approx.)
• Double-entry student visa: ₹9,000–₹10,000 (approx.)
• Processing time: 5–15 working days

6. Where to Apply for Russian Visas

Applications for all types of visas must be submitted through authorized visa centers that are partnered with the Russian Embassy and Consulates in India. These centers handle the submission of documents, passport biometrics (if required), and any other formalities.

Visa Center Locations in India:

• New Delhi (Embassy jurisdiction)
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Kolkata

Applicants can schedule appointments for document submission online, ensuring a smoother visa process.

7. Which Visa to Choose for Different Purposes of Travel?

The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Here’s a brief guide to choosing the right visa:

• Holiday or Short Visit: Choose a tourist visa or e-visa. Tourist visa requires a hotel confirmation, while e-visa does not. Processing time is 4–10 days. Cost: ₹6,000–₹7,500 for tourist visa; around $40 for e-visa.
• Business or Investment Travel: Apply for a business visa. Key requirement: Invitation from a Russian company. Processing time is 4–20 days. Cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000.
• Long-Term Employment: Apply for a work visa. Key requirement: Official work invitation from a Russian employer. Processing time is 4–20 days. Cost: ₹13,000–₹20,000.
• Study in Russia: Apply for a student visa. Key requirement: Invitation from a recognized university. Processing time is 5–15 days. Cost: ₹6,000–₹10,000.

India and Russia are advancing towards a visa-free regime for group tourists, making travel simpler and fostering stronger ties. In the meantime, Indian travelers can still access Russia through various visa options, catering to tourism, business, work, and study.

With a variety of visa options available, Indian travelers can easily find the best fit for their journey to Russia, whether it’s for tourism, business, work, or studies.