New Delhi, Dec 16: Indian tourists may soon be able to travel to Russia without a visa, with the potential launch of a visa-free group tourist exchange program in spring 2025.
This development follows consultations held in June 2023 between the two countries, aiming to facilitate easier travel and enhance bilateral tourism.
Currently, Indian travelers to Russia can obtain e-visas, which are processed within four days, a system that was introduced on August 1, 2023.
In 2023, India ranked among the top five countries for e-visas, with 9,500 issued to Indian visitors, making up 6% of the total number of e-visas granted.
Tourism between the two countries has been growing steadily, with over 60,000 Indian nationals visiting Moscow in 2023, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.
Russia has already implemented successful visa-free programs with China and Iran, launched in August 2023, and aims to replicate this success with India.
If the proposed visa-free initiative is implemented, it could further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Russia and India, promoting closer cooperation and increased tourism between the nations.
