India Offers 30-Day Free e-Visa to Russians: Everything You Need to Know

India has just announced a Free e-Visa for Russian visitors — a 30-day e-tourist visa and a matching 30-day group tourist visa that will be issued without the usual processing fee. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the joint press event with President Vladimir Putin on December 5, 2025. This move aims to make travel between the two countries easier and to encourage more Russians to visit India for tourism, culture and short group trips.

Below is a clear, friendly guide that answers the questions most travellers will have. I’ll explain what the Free e-Visa means in practice, how you apply on the official site, what documents you’ll need, and the small but important rules to follow so your trip goes smoothly.

What does the Free e-Visa actually mean?

When officials say Free e-Visa, they mean India will waive the normal processing fee for the 30-day e-tourist visa and the 30-day group tourist visa for Russian passport holders. It is a limited, targeted offer — not a blanket waiver on other visa types (for example, long-term visas, student visas or work visas still follow normal fees and rules). The government described the change as part of a package of measures to deepen people-to-people ties and boost travel between India and Russia.

Why did India introduce this?

The idea is simple: make short visits easier and cheaper, and more people will travel. Officials hope that tourists who might have hesitated because of cost or complexity will now choose India for beach holidays, cultural tours, spiritual visits or group packages. The Free e-Visa is also a diplomatic gesture that strengthens ties after the leaders’ summit. News outlets and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs framed this as both a practical tourism step and a sign of closer cooperation.

How to apply — step-by-step (friendly and simple)

Go to the official e-visa website. Always use the government portal — search for India Visa Online or go to the official Indian e-visa page. This is the only safe place to apply; third-party sites may charge extra service fees.
Choose the right visa type. Once the Free e-Visa scheme is live on the portal, select the e-Tourist (30 days) or Group Tourist (30 days) option for Russian nationals.
Fill in your personal and travel details. You will enter passport information, travel dates, contact details and emergency contact. Keep your passport and flight details ready.
Upload documents. For a tourist application you normally need:
- Passport bio page scan (passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival);
- Recent passport-style photo meeting the portal rules;
- Return or onward ticket information;
- Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation, and possibly proof of funds if asked.
  These are standard India Visa Requirements — always check the portal guidance for exact photo size, file type and other specs.
Submit and wait for approval. The government said the Free e-Visa applications would be processed within about 30 days after launch. When approved, you’ll receive an electronic travel authorization (ETA) by email. Print a copy and carry it with you — immigration officers sometimes prefer to see a printed ETA.

Practical tips — small things that matter

Apply early. Even though the announcement mentioned ~30 days, real processing can be faster or slower depending on demand. Apply well before your travel date. The official India Visa Online site often advises applying at least 14 days before travel, and more if possible.
Double-check passport validity. Many visa problems happen because a passport has less than the required validity. Most e-visa rules ask for at least six months validity from the date of arrival.
Carry proof of funds and accommodation. A Free e-Visa does not remove normal immigration checks. Be ready to show hotel bookings and a return ticket.
Group travel? If you travel with a tour operator, the group tourist visa included in the Free e-Visa plan can make paperwork simpler. Confirm with your tour operator how they will handle the group application.
Check entry points. e-Visas may be valid only at certain airports and seaports. Confirm which entry points accept e-visas on the official website.

Common questions

When does this start?
The government said the scheme will begin “very soon” following the December 5, 2025 announcement. Keep an eye on the India Visa Online portal and MEA updates for the exact launch date.
Is it really free?
For the specific 30-day e-tourist and group tourist categories for Russian nationals, yes — the processing fee will be waived. Other visa types are not part of this offer.
How long can I stay?
The visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Confirm single or double entry rules for your approved ETA on the portal when you apply.

Final thoughts

This Free e-Visa is a traveller-friendly step that should make short visits to India easier for Russian nationals. It lowers cost and paperwork for 30-day leisure trips and organized group travel. But remember: fee waiver does not remove all the normal India Visa Requirements — passport validity, correct photos, ETA printouts and honest answers at immigration still matter. For the most up-to-date steps and to apply, always use the official India Visa Online e-visa portal.