Good news for Indian travellers: India is on Russia’s e-visa list. No embassy queues, no invitation letter, no agent needed – you apply online, pay 52 USD, and the visa is approved within four days. Here is the complete picture for 2026.
Russia e-visa for Indians: the essentials
| Parameter | 2026 rule |
|---|---|
| Eligible? | Yes – India is one of 64 e-visa countries |
| Fee | 52 USD (children under 6 free) |
| Approval time | Maximum 4 calendar days |
| Validity | 120 days from issue, single entry |
| Stay | Up to 30 calendar days |
| Apply | Only at evisa.kdmid.ru |
| Invitation / hotel proof | Not required |
How to apply from India: 4 simple steps
- Check your passport
It must be machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry into Russia.
- Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru
Create an account on the official portal, fill in the form and upload a recent digital photo and your passport scan. Apply no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 days before your trip.
- Pay 52 USD and wait up to 4 days
Payment is made online. The decision arrives within a maximum of 4 calendar days – most applicants plan the visa in the same week they book flights.
- Buy medical insurance
A policy covering your entire stay in Russia is mandatory. Carry the printed e-visa, passport and insurance when you fly.
Full parameter details, the country list and scam warnings are in our main Russia e-visa guide.
Practical notes for Indian travellers
- Flights: there are convenient one-stop connections to Moscow via Dubai (Emirates, flydubai), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Doha (Qatar Airways), plus routes through Central Asia such as Tashkent.
- Money: international Visa/Mastercard issued outside Russia do not work there, and neither do Apple/Google Pay. Bring cash to exchange (USD works well) or open a local MIR card on arrival – a passport is enough. UnionPay cards work only unreliably.
- On arrival: at Moscow’s four airports all foreign visitors pass a short biometric check (photo and fingerprints). Hotels register your stay automatically within one working day.
- 30 days is plenty for the classics: Moscow, St Petersburg and even a Golden Ring extension fit comfortably inside one e-visa stay.
English-guided packages for Moscow, St Petersburg and the Trans-Siberian – hotels, transfers and visa-support included, with pricing that works for travellers from India.
Browse Russia tours 2026 →FAQ: Russia visa for Indian citizens
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes – but only the simple e-visa. Indians apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru for 52 USD, with approval within a maximum of 4 calendar days. No invitation letter or embassy visit is needed.
How long does the Russian e-visa take for Indians?
A maximum of 4 calendar days after submitting the online application. You can apply up to 86 days and no later than 4 days before entry.
Is Russia visa-free for Indian tourists?
Not yet. A group visa-free agreement (for organised groups of 5–50 travellers) is in final negotiation between India and Russia but, as of mid-2026, is not in force. Individual travellers use the e-visa.
How long can Indians stay in Russia on an e-visa?
Up to 30 calendar days per trip (arrival and departure days count), within the e-visa’s 120-day validity. It is a single-entry visa.
What documents do Indians need for the Russia e-visa?
A machine-readable passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry, a recent digital photo, and medical insurance covering the whole stay. No invitation or hotel booking is required.
Related: visa overview · full e-visa guide · applying from Dubai/UAE · contact us.