Indians could soon add Russia to a growing list of countries which don’t require a visa application prior to travel.
According to Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, India and Russia will begin talks in June on a bilateral agreement to ease travel between the two countries.
Kondratyev said a signing was expected by the end of the year, as his country plans to replicate the success of visa-free tourist exchanges already established with China and Iran.
Russia initiated its visa-free group tourist exchange with China and Iran on August 1, 2023. Currently there are no direct flights between India and Russia. It remains to be seen whether this will be rectified if the bilateral agreement is finalised.
Indian visitors should apply for an electronic visa prior to going to Russia. Fill in your details, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, and pay the application fee on the official e-visa website. You will receive an e-visa within four calendar days.