Russian Visa for Indian Passport Holders: Complete Guide

As is common practice, Indian citizens travelling to Russia need a visa. Fortunately, the process of getting a Russian visa from India is straightforward once you know the steps. Below, we explain how to apply for a visa online or in person, what documents you need, and where to get a visa photo that meets the requirements.

Table of contents

• Do Indian citizens need a visa for Russia?
• Types of Russian visas available for Indian citizens
• Russian e-visa for Indians (new simplified system)
• How to apply for a Russian e-visa online?
• How to apply for a Russian visa in person (at the consulate or visa application center)?
• Documents required for a Russian visa application from India
• Russian visa and e-visa photo requirements
• Get a photo for your Russian visa application online!
• Visa Photo App
• Cost of the Russian visa from India
• How many days does it take to get a Russian visa from India?
• Visa extension and registration in Russia
• FAQ

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Russia?

Yes, a visa is mandatory for all Indians planning to enter Russia. The specific type of visa you need depends entirely on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or work. While a traditional "sticker visa" has been the standard, a significant new option is the Russian e-visa, available for short tourist trips and processed entirely online.

Is Russia going to be visa-free for Indians? The two governments are actively developing a visa-free group travel agreement for Indian tourists, which is expected to launch in the near future. Currently, individual Indian travelers need a visa for Russia.

For now, visa-free access is limited to:

• holders of Indian diplomatic or official passports for stays up to 90 days;
• members of aircraft crews.

Types of Russian visas available for Indian citizens

The Russian government offers several visa categories, each designed for a specific travel purpose and each with its own set of requirements. The primary visa types for Indian citizens include:

• Tourist Visa: For leisure travel. It is typically valid for up to 30 days and requires a formal "tourist invitation" from a Russian tour operator and confirmed hotel bookings.
• Business Visa: For professional engagements, meetings, or negotiations. This flexible category offers validity from one month to one year, with single, double, or multiple-entry options.
• Work Visa: A Russian work visa is required for Indians who have a formal employment contract in the country. Securing this visa requires a special work invitation and valid permits from your Russian employer.
• Private Visa: For visiting family or friends at a private residence. This visa is generally issued for single trips up to three months.
• Transit Visa: For travellers passing through Russian territory en route to a final destination in another country.

Russian e-visa for Indians (new simplified system)

Russia's Unified e-Visa (UEV) system has simplified the process for Indian tourists. This digital document allows you to apply entirely online without visiting a consulate or visa centre. It is a single-entry permit, designed for short-term tourism, business meetings, and cultural visits. In 2023, Indian travellers became one of the top five nationalities using Russia’s electronic visa system, according to the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism. That year, Russia issued around 9,500 e-visas to Indian passport holders - about 6% of all e-visas granted worldwide.

Important update: While initially granting a 16-day stay, the e-Visa duration of stay was extended to 30 days starting August 23, 2025. For longer stays or multiple entries, you will still need to apply for a traditional sticker visa through a Russian visa application centre in India. The period of validity has also expanded from 60 to 120 days from the issue date.

How to apply for a Russian e-visa online?

Applying for a Russian e-visa is quick and convenient - the entire process takes place on the official government portal. You’ll simply need to complete an online form, upload your photo, and wait for approval within a few days.

Here's your step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the official Russian e-visa portal.
2. Fill out the application form with your personal details as shown in your passport, along with your travel dates and destinations in Russia.
3. Upload the necessary documents, such as a scan of your passport and a digital photo.
4. Pay the application fee through the secure portal, using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
5. Submit your application. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days.
6. Once approved, you'll receive the e-visa via email. Print it and keep it with your passport.
7. Show both the e-visa and your passport at the Russian border control. If you're staying more than 7 working days, complete local registration through your hotel or with the Russian authorities.

Remember, you must apply no more than 86 days and no fewer than 4 days before your planned entry into Russia.

How to apply for a Russian visa in person (at the consulate or visa application center)?

Indian citizens, who are not eligible for an e-Visa, have the option to apply in person at either the Consulates or authorised Russian visa application centres in India. This method involves submitting your documents in person and providing biometric data such as fingerprints. There are centres in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

Here’s how to proceed in person:

1. If opting for a consulate visit, book an appointment online through their website. Each applicant needs a separate appointment. Visa centres don't require an appointment.
2. Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, visa application form, photos, invitation letter, and travel proof.
3. Go to the visa centre or consulate on your appointment day to submit your application, and provide biometrics if needed.
4. Pay the required visa fees and any service charges.
5. You'll get your passport back a few days later, depending on the centre’s schedule.

Documents required for a Russian visa application from India

Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready - from your passport and visa invitation letter to a completed application form and travel insurance. Having these documents in order ensures a smooth and timely visa approval.

When applying for a Russian tourist visa for Indians, the following documents are required:

• A scanned copy of your passport's bio page, featuring your photo and details. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and have a minimum of two blank pages.
• A completed visa application form, either electronic or on paper.
• Two recent colour passport-sized photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
• A visa invitation from an authorised Russian entity.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets.
• Hotel booking confirmation or other proof of accommodation in Russia.
• Health insurance that's valid in Russia for the entire duration of your stay (this may be mandatory for some visa types).
• For business or work visas, you might need additional documents, like an official invitation or employment contract.

Russian visa and e-visa photo requirements

Your photo must meet specific size, background, and format standards to be accepted for a Russian visa or e-visa. Even minor deviations from the official requirements can lead to delays or rejection of your application.

To get your photo just right, follow these guidelines:

• The photo should measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), which is the standard passport size.
• Your photo must have been taken within the last six months.
• Your face should fill about 50% of the frame.
• Use a plain white or light-coloured background with no shadows or patterns.
• The photo must be in colour.
• For e-visas, digital JPEG photos are acceptable.
• Ensure your face is directly facing the camera with a neutral expression, closed mouth, and open eyes.
• Don’t wear sunglasses or hats unless for religious or medical purposes.
• Glasses are allowed if you wear them regularly, but your eyes must be clearly visible without any glare.
• The photo should be clear, sharp, and well-lit.

Here is a photo example:

Get a photo for your Russian visa application online!

For a hassle-free experience, use specialized online tools to get your Russian visa photo. Visafoto, a trusted service since 2013, is well-versed in the photo requirements for any document worldwide, whether it’s a passport, visa, or driver’s licence.

With Visafoto, you can snap a photo for your Russian visa no matter where you are. Just take a picture following the provided guidelines and upload it to their platform. Worry less about meeting precise size and background specifications - we'll take care of it for you.

Below is an example of the photo you can upload:

You'll get both a digital copy for online use and a version ready for printing. Not happy with the result? We'll replace it for free. If the authorities reject your photo, we'll offer you a full refund.

Visa Photo App

For ultimate convenience, check out the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app simplifies creating ID, passport, and visa photos right from your smartphone. It’s available for both iPhone and Android, making it accessible to everyone.

Simply upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust your photo to meet all official requirements, including size, format, and background colour, ensuring your face and eye line are perfectly centred. You'll receive a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

Need help? Our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cost of the Russian visa from India

The total Russian visa prices in India depend on the visa type, processing speed, and the method of application. While e-visas are generally more affordable, consular visas may include additional service fees.

• The fee for a Russian tourist e-Visa for Indians is approximately INR 4,531 (around USD 53).
• A single-entry Russian tourist visa for Indians (via a sticker) costs about INR 3,612 (around USD 41).
• A single-entry business visa (via a sticker) costs roughly INR 6,794 (around USD 80).

Remember, these Russian visa charges in India don't include the service fees of visa application centres, which can add an extra INR 1,000–2,000 (USD 11-23). Choosing urgent processing will almost double the standard fee.

How many days does it take to get a Russian visa from India?

Russian visa processing times in India range depending on the visa category and how you apply. E-visas are typically issued faster, while regular visas may take longer due to document verification.

Expect the processing of traditional tourist and business visas to take about 8-10 working days after submission. A single-entry e-visa is processed within 4 calendar days from application.

Keep in mind that the 4-day processing for e-visas doesn't include the submission day. If you need to correct any data on your application, the processing time restarts from the date of resubmission.

Visa extension and registration in Russia

Once you arrive in Russia, it’s important to understand local rules regarding visa registration and possible extensions. Travellers staying longer than a week must register their stay, and extensions are granted only under specific circumstances.

Depending on your reason for staying, like work or study, you can extend your visa for up to three years at a time. If you're employed, your visa extension will align with your employment contract and your passport's validity, which should be at least six months beyond your planned departure.

To extend your visa, submit your documents no sooner than three months and no later than 30 days before your current visa expires. The Ministry of Internal Affairs usually processes extensions within roughly 21 days.

For those with an e-visa, extensions are rare and only allowed in special circumstances like medical emergencies or natural disasters. If you need more time in Russia for other reasons, you'll need to exit the country before your visa expires and apply for a new one if necessary.

Additionally, if you're staying in Russia for more than seven business days, you must register with local migration authorities. Hotels or landlords typically handle registration for short stays, but if you're renting privately or staying longer, it's your responsibility to ensure registration is completed.

FAQ

How early can I apply for a Russian visa from India?

Indian citizens can apply for a Russian visa as early as 90 days before their planned arrival in Russia. The application must be submitted at least 4 days before entering.

Do children need a separate Russian visa?

Yes, every child travelling to Russia, regardless of age, must have their own visa or e-visa. There are no visa exemptions for minors travelling with parents.

Can I enter Russia through any airport with an e-visa?

Yes, with a Russian e-visa, Indian citizens can enter through any international airport in Russia. However, note that e-visa acceptance at land borders is limited.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Russian visa applications?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Russian visa. It must provide at least €30,000 coverage for medical expenses, including emergencies and repatriation, and be valid for your entire stay in Russia.

Can I apply for a Russian visa without an invitation letter?

For a traditional Russian visa, you'll need an invitation letter. However, if you're applying for a Russian e-visa, Indian citizens aren't required to submit one.

Do I need to attend an interview for the Russian visa?

Tourist, business, and work visas don't require an interview. Interviews are rare and only occur in specific cases. The e-visa process is entirely online and doesn't include an interview step.

Can I apply for a Russian visa if I live outside India?

Absolutely. You can apply at Russian consulates or visa centres in the country where you reside. The process is similar to the one in India. Plus, you can apply for a Russian e-visa online from anywhere.

Is getting a Russian tourist visa from India easy?

Yes, as long as you submit all the required documents accurately. The Russian Embassy and application centres in India usually process visas within 8 to 10 working days. With the new e-visa option now available for Indians, short-term tourist visits are even easier, offering quick 3-4 day processing and minimal paperwork.

Last updated: 2025-10-28