Russia Offers Visa-Free Travel for Indians in 2025

Indians may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia as part of a new initiative expected to begin in the spring of 2025. This move follows bilateral discussions between India and Russia in June 2024, aimed at easing visa restrictions and encouraging group tourist exchanges. Currently, Indian nationals require visas to visit Russia, but the upcoming agreement could significantly streamline travel processes, boosting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties.

Visa-Free System Launch

• Russia is planning a visa-free system for Indian travelers, likely to be implemented by spring 2025.
• The initiative aims to facilitate group tourist exchanges between the two nations.

Past Bilateral Discussions

• In June 2024, India and Russia held talks to ease visa rules and enable smoother travel for citizens of both countries.

Current Visa Status for Indians

• Indian travelers must currently obtain a visa issued by the Russian Embassy/Consulates.
• Since August 2023, Indians have been eligible for e-visas to visit Russia, processed in about four days.

Growing Tourism Numbers

• In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow, marking a 26% increase compared to 2022.
• India ranked third among non-CIS countries for business tourism in early 2024, with 1,700 e-visas issued in Q1 alone.

Success of Similar Programs

• Russia currently offers visa-free entry to China and Iran under its group tourist exchange program.
• The program has boosted tourism from these countries, prompting Russia to replicate it with India.

India’s Global Visa-Free Access

• Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 62 countries globally, including popular destinations like,
• Indonesia
• Maldives
• Thailand

Passport Ranking

• India ranks 82nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024.
• The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), measuring visa-free access globally.