Russia to Introduce New E-Visa System for Indian Passport Holders
Russia is set to introduce a new e-visa system for Indian passport holders, starting August 1, 2023, according to local reports. The electronic visa will allow individuals to visit the Russian Federation for various purposes, including guest visits, business trips, tourism, and participation in events.
The single-entry visa will be issued within four calendar days and cost approximately $40, making it a more accessible option for travellers. This development comes as both countries aim to strengthen their bilateral ties and promote tourism. Earlier in February, the Russian Prime Minister had already approved a facilitated visa regime for citizens of 19 countries, which included India.
Under the new system, Indian travellers will be granted a 60-day visa validity and will be allowed to stay in Russia for up to 16 days at a time. Moreover, those who wish to visit as tourists may be eligible for a visa with a validity of up to six months if they can provide a hotel reservation.
The list of countries eligible for this new visa regime encompasses India, along with Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, and the Philippines.
The move comes after Russia experienced a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals in 2022, with a steep decline of 96.1 per cent. By introducing a more streamlined and efficient visa process, Russia hopes to attract more tourists from India and other eligible nations, tapping into the growing interest in travel and exploration.
Data from previous years indicates a positive trend in Indian tourist traffic to Moscow. Between 2016 and 2019, the number of annual visitors from India grew from 61,000 to over 100,000.
Although the pandemic had impacted travel, there was a notable recovery in 2021, reaching 40 per cent of the pre-pandemic level. Additionally, it was observed that 48 per cent of Indians who visited Moscow in 2021 made two trips to the city within that year.
