Indian citizens who wish to travel to the Russian Federation need a visa. The Russian e-visa, an electronic visa, is now available.
Getting the e-visa for Russia is quick and easy — the application is online. You can complete the Russian e-visa form in minutes and it takes around 4 days to process.
Russian e-visa Requirements for Indians
As a citizen of India, you can travel to Russia short term with an electronic visa.
Before you start filling out the online form, make sure you meet the Russian e-visa requirements:
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page
- Valid debit or credit card
- Digital color photograph, passport-sized
- Current email address
The debit card is to pay the Russia e-visa fee. You must provide your email as this is where you will receive all notifications about the status of your visa.
How to apply for a Russia e-visa from India
Applying for a Russia e-visa from India is simple. All you need is a device with a connection to the Internet such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The online application form is straightforward. It’s an intuitive form that prevents most users from making mistakes.
When Indian citizens apply for the Russian e-visa, they need to be sure to:
- Fill out each section with the correct information
- Upload copies of your travel document and your photo
- Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Most Indian applicants finish completing the e-visa form in a few minutes. You have the chance to revise your details before you submit your Russian electronic visa application.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa for Russia from India?
Once you have submitted your e-visa Russia application from India, expect a response in 4 to 7 days. Rarely, an application may take longer if the details of the applicant need more processing.
We recommend applying as soon as you know your travel plans. You need to include some information about your trip, including your accommodation details, on your application form.
You can check all communications about the status of the visa in your email.
Visiting Russia with an e-visa for Indians
At the Russian border, you must present your Indian passport and visa to immigration authorities. They will verify your documents and ensure you meet the entry conditions.
You can stay in Russia for up to 16 days with the e-visa. This includes the day you arrive and the day you leave. A new visa is required each time Indian passport holders travel to Russia.
The e-visa is valid for a range of travel purposes. You must be visiting for tourism, business, or humanitarian reasons such as taking part in scientific, cultural, socio-political, or sporting events.
Fly from India to Russia with an electronic visa
Indian passport holders with a Russian e-visa can fly into major international airports. The Russian e-visa is valid at:
- Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow (SVO)
- Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg (LED)
- Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow (VKO)
Indians can also use the approved Russian e-visa at several seaports and some land borders. Check the full list of approved entry ports when planning your journey.
Other Russian Visas for Indians
As explained above, the Russian e-visa is for short stays in Russia for specified travel purposes.
If you hold an Indian passport and wish to visit Russia for more than 16 days, or non tourism or business activities, you need a different visa type.
Other types of Russian visas for Indians include:
- Private visa — to stay with friends or family
- Work visa — to be employed in Russia
- Student visa — to attend an academic institution
- Business visa — for longer business trips
The application process for these visa types is more complex. You need to make the visa application in person and several supporting documents are required.
Russia Embassy and Consulate General in India
Indians applying for the Russian e-visa do not need to go to a Russian Embassy or Consulate. The process is online from start to finish.
If you need another visa type or consular assistance, you can contact one of the following Russian representations in India:
Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Delhi
- Address: Embassy of the Russian Federation, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri. New Delhi, 110021, India
- Phone: +(9111) 2611-0640, +(9111) 2611-0641, +(9111) 2611-0642
- Fax: +(9111) 2687-6823, +(9111) 2410-3961
- E-mail: indrusem@del2.vsnl.net.in, indconru@del2.vsnl.net.in
- Consular department: indconru@del2.vsnl.net.in
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Calcutta
- Address: Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Calcutta, 22A, Raja Santosh Road, Alipore, Calcutta, India 700027
- Phone: +(9133) 2-479-70-06, +(9133) 2-479-9973
- Fax: +(9133) 2-479-8889
- E-mail: consulru@cal3.vsnl.net.in, consulruccu@mail.ru
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Madras
- Address: Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Chennai (Madras), 14, Santhome High Road, Chennai, 600004, India
- Phone: +(9144) 2-498-2320, +(9144) 2-498-2330
- Fax: +(9144) 2-498-2336
- E-mail: madrasrus@vsnl.com
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai
- Address: Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, 42, Jagmohandas Marg (Nepean Sea Road) Mumbai, 400006, India
- Phone: +(9122) 2-363-3627, +(9122) 2-363-3628
- Fax: +(9122) 2-363-0403
- E-mail: consul@mtnl.net.in
FAQs About the Russia e-visa for Indians
How can I get a Russian tourist visa from India? Toggle faqs
You can get an e-visa for Russia online from India. As an Indian citizen, you do not need to make any trips to the Russian Embassy. All you have to do is access the Russia e-visa application form and enter your details.
Make sure you have your passport information and a debit or credit card. Your e-visa will take about 4 days to process.
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Russia? Toggle faqs
No, Indians cannot get a visa on arrival in Russia. Russian visa applications must be made in advance and you must hold a valid visa to travel.
The quickest way to get a visa for Russia is online. The e-visa application can be made as little as a week before departure or as soon as you know your travel plans.
How can I find out the validity of my Russian visa? Toggle faqs
You can find the visa validity period on your approved Russian e-visa. Check this information when you receive your visa by email.
Russian e-visas are valid for 60 days from the date of approval. You must use your visa to enter Russia before the expiry date.
Do I need a Private Visa or e-visa to visit friends in Russia? Toggle faqs
Both the Russian Private Visa and the e-visa can be used to stay with family or friends in Russia.
For Indian passport holders, the e-visa is the better option for short trips thanks to the simple application and fast turnaround times. Indian citizens can visit family and friends in Russia for up to 16 days with an e-visa.
A Private Visa may be more suitable if you plan to visit family or friends in Russia for longer periods.