Quick answer
Indian passport holders need a visa for Russia, and the unified e-visa is the easiest route. Apply on the official portal, pay about USD 50, and expect a decision in about four calendar days. Since August 2025 the e-visa is valid for 120 days and allows a single stay of up to 30 days, entering through designated checkpoints.
At a glance
- Visa type
- Unified electronic visa (single entry)
- Stay allowed
- Up to 30 days
- Fee
- About USD 50 (roughly ₹4,400–4,800); free for children under six, apart from bank charges
- Processing
- About 4 calendar days
- Validity
- 120 days from issue, single entry
- Apply at
- Official portal
Documents checklist
- Passport valid at least six months beyond the visa
- Passport bio-page scan and a digital photo
- Printed e-visa notification, plus a copy on your phone
- Medical insurance valid in Russia
- Hotel bookings (hotels register your stay)
- Return or onward ticket
- US dollars or euros in cash for the whole trip
Common mistakes that get Indians refused
- Visa and Mastercard cards issued in India do not work in Russia; carry enough cash in US dollars or euros.
- The e-visa is single entry and valid only at designated checkpoints; confirm your entry and exit points are on the list.
- The portal warns that delivery to Gmail addresses has been unreliable; use another email provider or check spam.
- Visa-free group travel between India and Russia has been discussed but was not confirmed in force at the time of review.
Do Indians need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa, and for tourism the simplest option is Russia's unified electronic visa. Indians have been eligible since 2023, and since 23 August 2025 the e-visa allows a stay of up to 30 days (up from 16) and is valid for 120 days from issue.
How to apply, step by step
- Use the official e-visa portal of the Russian foreign ministry.
- Fill the form online and upload a passport bio-page scan and a digital photo. No invitation, hotel voucher or supporting letter is needed.
- Pay the fee by card: about USD 50, roughly ₹4,400–4,800. Children under six apply free, apart from bank charges.
- The e-visa is issued within about four calendar days. The portal warns that delivery to Gmail addresses has been unreliable, so use another email provider or watch your spam folder.
- Print the notification and keep a copy on your phone.
What immigration actually checks
The e-visa is single entry and valid only at designated checkpoints, which include the main Moscow and St Petersburg airports. Check the official list for your arrival and departure points before booking. Officers check the e-visa and passport, and occasionally a return ticket and medical insurance valid in Russia, so carry both.
Foreigners must be registered where they stay. Hotels do this; if you rent a flat, the owner must register you.
Money is the real problem
Visa and Mastercard cards issued in India do not work in Russia. Carry enough US dollars or euros in cash to change on arrival, and keep a reserve for emergencies. Our foreign exchange desk can advise on how much to carry and the declaration limits.
Group travel and longer stays
India and Russia have discussed visa-free travel for organised tourist groups, but at the time of review individual and group travellers still needed a visa. If you need multiple entries, more than 30 days, or a business or study visit, apply for a regular visa through the Russian embassy or its visa centres, with an invitation or tourist voucher.
Tips for families and seniors
- Every traveller, including children, needs their own e-visa.
- Winters in Moscow and St Petersburg drop well below zero; for older parents, May to September is far gentler.
- Metro stations are deep, with long escalators; plan taxis for anyone with knee problems.
- Vegetarian food is available in the big cities, including several Indian restaurants, but menus are mostly in Russian, so keep a translation app ready.
Our visa assistance team can file e-visas for families and groups, and our travel insurance desk can issue a policy valid in Russia.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians get an e-visa for Russia?
How much is the Russia e-visa for Indians?
Is Russia visa-free for Indian groups?
Do Indian debit and credit cards work in Russia?
Can I enter Russia by land on the e-visa?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
