Indian Passport Holders | Russia Visa Requirements

Last updated: May 2026

Status Visa Required
Visa Type e-Visa (Tourist)
Cost $52 USD (approx. ₹4,350)
Max Stay 16 days per entry
Processing 4 working days

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Russia?

Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Russia. The most practical option for tourists is the Russian e-Visa, which is applied for entirely online with no embassy visit required. The e-Visa is processed in approximately 4 working days and costs $52 USD.

Russia offers extraordinary experiences for Indian travellers: the imperial grandeur of Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, the baroque splendour of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and Catherine’s Palace, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Lake Baikal — the world’s deepest lake — and the distinctly otherworldly landscapes of Kamchatka. Despite the geopolitical context since 2022, tourism continues and the process for Indian citizens remains accessible.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official e-Visa portal: Go to evisa.kdmid.ru, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official e-Visa application site.
  2. Create an account and begin a new application for a tourist e-Visa.
  3. Fill in the application form with your personal details, travel dates, and planned entry point.
  4. Upload your documents: A digital photograph (colour, white background, taken recently) and a scan of your passport bio-data page.
  5. Pay the fee: $52 USD via international debit or credit card.
  6. Wait for processing: The e-Visa is typically issued within 4 working days. You will receive it by email.
  7. Print your e-Visa and carry the printout with you. Russian immigration may request the paper copy alongside your passport.

Documents Required

  • Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from Russia; at least 1 blank page)
  • Digital passport photograph (colour, white or light background, taken within 6 months; minimum 600 × 800 pixels)
  • Scan of passport bio-data page (colour, minimum 600 dpi)
  • Travel itinerary (you will be asked for your planned dates of entry and exit)
  • International credit or debit card for the $52 USD fee

Costs & Fees

  • e-Visa fee: $52 USD (approximately ₹4,350), non-refundable
  • No VFS or agent required — the entire process is online
  • Travel insurance: Strongly recommended; ensure your policy explicitly covers Russia. Verify with your insurer given current travel conditions.

Tips

  • Apply at least 1 week before travel to allow for any processing delays beyond the standard 4-day window.
  • Print your e-Visa. Russian border officials may ask to see a printed copy in addition to your passport.
  • Flight options: Direct flights between India and Russia are limited since 2022. Air India operates routes; some Indian travellers transit through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Central Asian hubs. Check current routing options carefully.
  • Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB). International payment cards (Visa/Mastercard) have limited acceptance in Russia due to sanctions. Carry sufficient cash or use Russian bank cards obtained locally through currency exchange. This is an important practical consideration.
  • Moscow essentials: Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Gorky Park, and the Moscow Metro (itself an architectural marvel) are all unmissable.
  • St. Petersburg: The Hermitage Museum (allow at least a full day), Peterhof Palace fountains (summer), the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and White Nights (June) are highlights.
  • Visa validity: The e-Visa is valid for 60 days from issue but allows only 16 days of stay. Do not confuse the 60-day window with the permitted stay duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Russia?

Yes. Indian citizens require a visa to visit Russia. The most convenient option is the Russian e-Visa, which can be applied for entirely online at evisa.kdmid.ru. The e-Visa costs $52 USD and is processed in approximately 4 working days.

How do I apply for a Russia e-Visa from India?

Apply online at the official Russian e-Visa portal (evisa.kdmid.ru). You fill in the application form, upload a photograph and passport scan, pay $52 USD by international card, and receive your e-Visa by email within 4 working days.

How long can I stay in Russia on an e-Visa?

The Russian e-Visa allows a single entry stay of up to 16 days. It is valid for 60 days from the issue date, meaning you must enter within 60 days of issue and stay for no more than 16 consecutive days.

Which airports can I enter Russia through on an e-Visa?

The Russian e-Visa is valid at designated entry points including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports in Moscow, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, and several other major airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Check the official list when applying.

Is it currently safe for Indians to travel to Russia?

India maintains diplomatic relations with Russia and Indian citizens regularly travel there for tourism. However, given the ongoing geopolitical situation since 2022, travellers should check the latest government of India travel advisory before booking, review flight options carefully (many European carriers do not fly to Russia), and ensure their travel insurance covers the destination.

Important: Always verify visa requirements with the official embassy or consulate before travelling. Information may change without notice. PassportGuide.co is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any government body.