Explained: Russia plans visa-free entry for Indians from 2025
What's the story
Starting spring 2025, Russia will allow Indian tourists to visit the country visa-free. The move comes as a response to the sharp increase in the number of Indians visiting Russia. Moscow alone received 28,500 Indian tourists in the first half of 2024, a 1.5-fold increase from last year. The new policy will ease entry procedures by doing away with long applications and visa fees.
Global trend
Other countries adopt visa-free policies for Indians
Russia's move comes amid a wider global trend of countries relaxing travel restrictions for Indians. Sri Lanka granted visa-free access to Indian citizens from October 1, 2024, for six months. Thailand has indefinitely extended its visa-free policy for Indians, allowing stays of up to 60 days, which can be extended by another 30 days locally.
Visa waivers
Iran and Kazakhstan's visa-waiver programs for Indian tourists
Iran launched a visa-waiver program in February 2024 for Indian tourists arriving by air, permitting a maximum stay of 15 days every six months without extension options. Kazakhstan has been providing visa-free entry to Indians for up to 14 days per visit since 2022, with a maximum of 42 days within a 180-day period. These developments highlight India's growing global influence and the increasing number of countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges to Indian citizens.
Travel ease
Kenya simplifies travel process for Indian citizens
Kenya also joined the list of countries relaxing travel restrictions for Indians by waiving off visa requirements from January 1, 2024. Instead of a visa, Indian citizens now need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to their trip. This online system provides a simple method to obtain travel authorization. Currently, Indian passport holders enjoy such privileges in 62 countries, ranking India 80th on the Henley Passport Index.