Introduction to Russia begins to Issue E-visa to Indians
Beginning on August 1, Russia will begin providing electronic visas (e-visas) to holders of Indian passports, enabling travelers to obtain travel authorization more quickly for a variety of purposes, including business trips, visiting visits, and tourism. There is no need to consult with embassies or other organizations because the e-visa can be utilized just like a conventional visa.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a simplified visa process for nationals of 19 nations, including India, in February. India, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the Philippines are among the nations mentioned.
According to a study from the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation’s Border Guard Service, the number of tourists entering the country fell by 96.1% in 2022. However, between 2016 and 2019, the number of tourists traveling from India to Moscow increased from 61,000 to over a lakh. Additionally, in 2021, traffic returned to 40% of its pre-pandemic level. It’s interesting to note that 48% of Indian visitors to Moscow in 2021 returned in that same year.
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About e-visas
Due to travel limitations related to the epidemic, Russia discontinued the e-visa programme in 2020. However, travelers can now apply for e-visas for journeys to Russia.
52 nations, including India, have access to the e-visa system, which simplifies the visa application procedure and does away with the need to contact embassies.
Why use eVisas?
Holders with Indian passports will benefit from expedited travel authorisation for a variety of activities, including business travels, visitor visits, and tourism. Additionally, it will be a simple way to explore Russia.
E-visas are valid for 60 days and grant the same rights as conventional visas. Visa holders must enter Russia during this time and may stay for up to 16 days.
How to apply a Russian e-visa for an Indian
- Browse e-visa-Russia.com, the official website.
- Click the “Apply for Tourist Visa” option on the homepage.
- Fill out the form after choosing India under passport.
- The next step is to submit the application form and pay the $40 (3,290) consular charge.
- Those who have been accepted will be informed when their e-visa is ready. The candidate must print out the confirmation email and bring it with them when they travel to Russia.
- Upon arriving in Russia, visitors will present the printed notification to the immigration officials.
In an effort to build closer connections with China, India, and African countries, Moscow has taken this action to draw tourists and business travellers from new areas. Russia hopes to draw Indian visitors by simplifying the visa application procedure and giving them an easy method to travel across the nation.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and millions of displaced people, Moscow has turned to China, India, and African countries in an effort to forge stronger ties.
Contributed by Ankit Raj
Edited by Imtiaz Ullah