Indian tourists may be eligible to enter Russia without visas by spring 2025.
Such a decision may come amid the ongoing discussions between both countries that would lead to a visa-free agreement, VisaGuide.World reports.
The move aims to simplify the travel process between the two territories, in particular, through visa-free group tourist exchanges.
At present, nationals from India are subject to visa requirements when planning to head to Russia, which for categories like tourist, business, or student visas are often considered complex.
Nearly 28,500 Indians Visited Moscow in First Half of 2024
A visa-free agreement between Russia and India would further tighten connections between both countries in terms of tourism after India becomes an important market for travelers from Moscow.
In addition, in the first half of 2024, about 28,500 tourists from India visited Moscow, accounting for a significant increase compared to the figures from the same period in 2023, with a larger number of them traveling for business purposes.
A visa-free agreement between Russia and India would also contribute to the further increase in the number of Indian travelers wishing to visit Russia.
The agreement would also enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Russia and India.
Indians Eligible for e-Visas Since 2023
Since August 2023, Indians have been eligible for e-visas to travel to Russia. The e-visas take about four days to be processed.
Based on the figures from the Indian Express, India was part of the foreign countries list whose citizens accounted for the most significant number of e-visas granted by authorities in Russia.
More specifically, Russia has issued a total of 9,500 e-visas to Indians since 2023.
The figures from the same source reveal that last year, over 60,000 Indians traveled to Moscow, accounting for an increase of 26 percent compared to the figures from 2022.
According to the statistics from the Indian Express, the majority of Indians traveled to Russia for business or official purposes.
Moscow & New Delhi Began Visa-Free Agreement Discussions in June 2024
In May this year, the director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, Nikita Kondratyev, said that India is at the final stage of internal state coordination.
Kondratyev said that Moscow and New Delhi are set to tighten their connections, in terms of tourism as they take the necessary steps to launch the visa-free group tourist exchanges.
The first round of consultations between the two nations is scheduled for June, with an aim to finalize a bilateral agreement by the end of the year.
The consultations between Russia and India began in June 2024, aiming to facilitate visa restrictions.