India and Russia Set to Launch Visa-Free Group Travel Scheme, Boosting Tourism

Published on December 1, 2025

India and Russia are on the verge of finalizing a new visa-free travel scheme aimed at facilitating organized group tourism between the two countries. This development, expected to increase tourism traffic significantly, is poised to offer a simpler, more cost-effective option for Indian tourists looking to explore Russia.

The proposed agreement would allow Indian tourists to travel to Russia without the need for individual visas, provided they are part of an organized group with a licensed tour operator. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties and open up new avenues for cultural exchange and tourism.

A Game-Changer for Indian Tourists

Currently, Indian citizens must apply for a visa to visit Russia, which involves a time-consuming process and a visa fee of around ₹4,500. The new visa-free system aims to eliminate these barriers for group travel, making Russia a more attractive destination for Indian holidaymakers.

This decision comes after several years of discussions between Indian and Russian officials. The move is expected to particularly benefit organized tour groups, including corporate groups, educational tours, and family travel. Travel agencies and tour operators will likely see a surge in demand as Indian tourists flock to Russia for an easy and hassle-free experience.

For many Indian tourists, Russia remains a somewhat challenging destination due to visa requirements and perceived bureaucratic hurdles. By simplifying the process, the two governments hope to make travel more accessible and encourage Indians to explore Russia’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes.

Tourism Boost for Russian Destinations

Russian tourism authorities are optimistic about the potential impact of this visa-free agreement. Russia is already a popular destination for Indian travellers, with Moscow and St. Petersburg attracting the highest number of visitors. However, the country remains relatively underexplored compared to other European destinations, largely due to the visa process.

With this new policy, tourism authorities anticipate a significant increase in the number of Indian visitors. According to industry experts, the number of Indian tourists could double in the coming years, with estimates projecting that over 150,000 Indians could visit Russia annually within two years of the scheme’s implementation. Currently, around 61,000 Indian tourists visit Russia annually, with most traveling to Moscow for business, leisure, or cultural exchange.

The move is expected to benefit Russian cities beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, opening up opportunities for other regions to showcase their tourism offerings. From the historic towns of Kazan to the scenic beauty of Lake Baikal, Russian destinations that were once overlooked by Indian travellers may now become accessible to a broader audience.

What’s Next for the Visa-Free Scheme?

Despite the excitement, the visa-free travel plan is still in the final stages of negotiation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is currently circulating a draft of the proposal among relevant departments for feedback. Once the agreement is signed, travel operators will need to register their groups with the respective Russian authorities, ensuring that traveller information is shared ahead of time.

The initiative will primarily apply to organized group tours, and independent travellers will not be eligible for the scheme. The group size requirement, still under discussion, is expected to range from a minimum of five participants up to 50, though the specifics will depend on further negotiations between the governments.

Russian officials hope the scheme will open the door to a wide variety of new group travel itineraries, including cultural heritage tours, historical explorations, and winter tourism circuits. As Russia continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, Indian travellers will have the opportunity to experience everything from the architectural wonders of the Kremlin to the breathtaking views of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Enhancing Bilateral Relations

This visa-free agreement is not just a win for the tourism industry. It is also seen as a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Russia. The two countries have long shared cultural, political, and economic ties, and this new travel initiative is expected to promote greater understanding and collaboration between their peoples.

Officials from both countries are hopeful that the scheme will pave the way for other joint initiatives in the future, not only in tourism but also in trade, education, and other sectors. The positive impact of easier travel will likely extend beyond the tourism industry, fostering deeper people-to-people connections and enhancing diplomatic relations.

When Will It Begin?

Though the exact date for the launch of the visa-free scheme is not yet confirmed, officials hope to roll out the initiative by the spring of 2025. In the meantime, tour operators and travellers will need to stay informed about the latest developments and prepare for an influx of Indian tourists to Russia.

This new arrangement promises to be a major game-changer for tourism, making Russia more accessible than ever to Indian visitors. With a simplified visa process and the ability to join organized groups, India’s travel market is set to experience a major shift, bringing Russia’s cultural and historical treasures within reach of more people than ever before.

Looking Ahead

As Russia and India near final approval of the visa-free travel plan, the tourism sector is gearing up for what could be a transformative period for cross-border travel. Both governments and travel industry stakeholders are optimistic that this new initiative will not only bolster tourism but also foster greater cultural exchange, giving Indian tourists the opportunity to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Russia.