India rolls out free 30-day e-Visa as Russian travel demand rises
Free access expected to strengthen cultural links and group travel options
DUBAI – India has introduced a free 30-day e-visa facility for Russian tourists as New Delhi and Moscow intensify efforts to boost travel, economic engagement and people-to-people exchange.
The decision was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi, where both leaders discussed expanding cooperation under the Vision 2030 roadmap.
The new visa measure removes one of the main financial and procedural barriers for Russian nationals, positioning India as a more accessible and cost-effective destination at a time when global travel mobility is recovering.
Visa measures
Modi confirmed that both e-tourist visas and group tourist visas for Russian citizens will be introduced shortly, with no processing fee and an approval timeline of up to 30 days. The group-visa scheme is designed to support family travellers, organised tour groups and friends visiting India together, reducing paperwork and encouraging coordinated travel.
The announcement follows longstanding cultural and educational ties between the two nations, with many Russian travellers already familiar with Indian destinations. Moscow has previously highlighted the potential for expanded tourism flows, citing India’s varied landscapes, heritage attractions and comparatively lower travel costs.
India-Russia cooperation
Alongside the visa reforms, the two leaders unveiled their Vision 2030 document, outlining long-term plans for trade, investment and technology collaboration. Modi stated that the new platform would open avenues for co-production and co-innovation, while both sides continue work on a proposed Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Putin thanked India’s leadership for what he described as a warm reception and emphasised the close working dialogue between Moscow and New Delhi. He referenced discussions held during a private dinner and at the SCO Summit, noting that both governments actively oversee the bilateral agenda.
India’s tourism appeal
India’s tourism sector is expected to benefit significantly from the visa waiver as Russian outbound travel continues to grow post-pandemic. The free-visa policy, combined with India’s diverse travel experiences – from mountain regions to beach destinations and major urban centres – positions the country as a strong alternative to costlier Western destinations.
Industry observers note that favourable exchange rates and India’s relatively low cost of living strengthen the case for Russian holidaymakers choosing 30-day trips. The initiative also carries a wider diplomatic message by signalling New Delhi’s commitment to sustaining cooperation with Moscow in tourism, business travel and cultural exchange.