The Economic Times (ET) reported on Monday that the first Indian tourist groups without visas are anticipated to reach Moscow by spring 2025. This move coincides with Russia's efforts to strengthen its tourism relations with India. 

"It is predicted that thanks to the agreement, which is now under development, the number of travellers from India coming to the Russian capital will increase," stated Evgeny Kozlov, chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. This comes after Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects in the Russian Economic Development Ministry, stated in June that Russia and India are preparing for visa-free group travel exchanges. 

Travel without a visa permits entry into a nation without requiring a visa application beforehand. Travellers only need to show their passports after they reach, expediting the process and eliminating the need for a visa. In addition to this, 62 countries have already granted Indian passport-bearers visa-free entry. Over the years, Moscow has continued to draw more Indian tourists. 

According to Kozlov, "In the first half of 2024, 28,500 Indian travellers visited the Russian capital, which is 1.5 times more than during the same period last year." He also stated, "In 2023, India ranked high in terms of travellers coming to Moscow among non-CIS countries, with over 60,000 visitors, a 26% rise compared to 2022." The primary reasons for Indian nationals travelling to Moscow are for jobs or business. According to Kozlov, "India ranked third among visitors from non-CIS countries for business tourists in the first quarter of this year. Moscow authorities consider India one of the priority markets due to the strong, time-tested ties between the two countries." 

According to Kozlov, "India entered the top five countries in terms of e-visas issued last year, with 9,500 electronic visas granted, making up 6% of the total electronic visas received by foreigners visiting Russia." Indian tourists were granted 1,700 e-visas in January of this year. Indian travellers have been able to apply for an e-visa since August 1, 2023, and the application process takes approximately four days. Russia's tourist exchange program, which started on August 1, 2023, has demonstrated significant success in granting visa-free admission to Chinese and Iranian nationals. This program is intended to be replicated in India. 

Indian citizens requiring a visa to enter Russia have several options based on the purpose of their visit. These include a Tourist Visa for leisure and sightseeing, a Business Visa for attending business meetings or professional events, a Private Visa for visiting family or friends, a Work Visa for employment opportunities, a Student Visa for enrolling in educational institutions, and an E-Visa for short-term visits to specific regions.

The standard processing time for a Russian visa from India is generally 2 to 3 weeks, though e-visas are processed within four days and allow stays of up to 16 days. The visa fees vary: a Normal Visa costs ₹6,480 for single entry, ₹10,368 for double entry, and ₹19,440 for multiple entry, all with a processing time of 4–20 working days. For those requiring faster processing, Urgent Visas cost ₹12,960 for single entry and ₹20,736 for double entry, with a processing time of 1–3 working days. Urgent Visa (Multiple Entry): Rs 38,880 (Processing Time: 1-3 Working Days)