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Since August 1, 2023, Indian travellers became eligible for e-visas to Russia. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

Dubai: Indian tourists may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with this arrangement potentially taking effect in spring 2025.

In June, Russia and India held consultations on a bilateral agreement to ease visa restrictions, focusing on implementing visa-free group tourist exchanges.

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Since August 1, 2023, Indian travellers became eligible for e-visas to Russia. The unified e-visa (UEV) is typically processed within four days and serve as single-entry permits for various purposes, including personal travel, business, tourism, and attendance at cultural or scientific events.

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Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, noted that 28,500 Indian tourists visited Moscow in the first half of 2024, marking a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Most of these visitors traveled for business or work-related purposes.

Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries.

Indian citizens, can apply for a visa directly at the Consular Division of the Russian Embassy or the nearest Russian Consulate by scheduling an appointment online at http://new_delhi.kdmid.ru/.