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India Introduces Free 30-Day Tourist Visas for Visitors from Russia

December 10, 2025 5:16 am

India Introduces Free 30-Day Tourist Visas for Visitors from Russia

India has announced exciting news for travelers from Russia. Starting soon, Russian citizens will be eligible for a free 30-day e-tourist visa or a group tourist visa. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and strengthen the bond between India and Russia.

Simplified Access for Russian Tourists

The Indian government is making it easier for Russian tourists to explore its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. The announcement came during a joint press conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the new visa facilities, considering them a significant step towards fostering closer relations between the two nations.

The overarching goal is clear: India wants to attract more Russian visitors through a simplified visa process.

Expanding Partnership Beyond Travel

This announcement isn’t solely focused on tourism. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted new avenues of cooperation between India and Russia.

Maritime Training: Both countries will collaborate on training initiatives for Indian seafarers in extreme weather conditions. This training could unlock employment opportunities for young professionals.
Energy Cooperation: Energy continues to be a vital component of the India-Russia partnership. Modi emphasized that both nations have a long history of collaboration in civil nuclear power and clean energy, which benefits both sides.
Critical Minerals: There’s also progress in the field of critical minerals, crucial for modern manufacturing and clean technologies. Modi stated that this partnership will enhance global supply chains and support high-tech industries.

Implications for Russian Travelers

For Russian tourists, this news is extremely positive. The incoming free visas will make visiting India more accessible, affordable, and convenient. These changes are expected to attract a larger number of tourists and further enhance travel between the two countries.

Current Visa Options for Russian Citizens

While the free visa scheme is being finalized, here are the current visa options available for Russian travelers wanting to visit India:

e-Visa: Russian passport holders can apply for an Indian e-visa online. This visa allows entry for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The tourist e-visa typically permits multiple entries and stays of up to 30 days or more, depending on the visa type.
Group Tourist Visa: The new announcement includes a 30-day group visa specifically for organized tour groups visiting India together.

Visa Types and Stay Durations

Visa Type	Stay Duration	Purpose
e-Tourist Visa	Up to 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years	Tourism and short visits
e-Business Visa	Up to 1 year	Business activities
e-Medical Visa	Up to 60 days	Medical treatment
e-Conference Visa	Duration of conference	Official conferences and events
Regular Sticker Visa (Embassy)	Varies	Long-term stays, work, study, journalism

Once the new free visas launch, they will join this existing list.

Conclusion

India is opening its doors wider to Russian travelers, enhancing tourism while solidifying trust and cooperation between the two countries. For those in Russia contemplating a trip to India, this is an excellent opportunity to start planning your adventure. Today marks a new chapter in India-Russia relations, making travel more accessible than ever.