{"id":1460,"date":"2025-12-11T11:42:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/?p=1460"},"modified":"2026-04-21T06:47:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:47:42","slug":"india-30-day-free-e-visa-to-russians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/india-30-day-free-e-visa-to-russians\/","title":{"rendered":"India Offers 30-Day Free e-Visa to Russians: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

India has just announced a Free e-Visa for <\/span>Russian<\/b><\/a> visitors \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below is a clear, friendly guide that answers the questions most travellers will have. I\u2019ll explain what the Free e-Visa means in practice, how you apply on the official site, what documents you\u2019ll need, and the small but important rules to follow so your trip goes smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does the Free e-Visa actually mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Why did India introduce this?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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\u2019 summit. News outlets and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs framed this as both a practical tourism step and a sign of closer cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to apply \u2014 step-by-step (friendly and simple)<\/b><\/h2>\n
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  1. Go to the official e-visa website.<\/b> Always use the government portal \u2014 search for <\/span>India Visa Online<\/b><\/a> 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.<\/span> \n

    <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n

  2. Choose the right visa type.<\/b> 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.<\/span>\n

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  3. Fill in your personal and travel details.<\/b> You will enter passport information, travel dates, contact details and emergency contact. Keep your passport and flight details ready.<\/span>\n

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  4. Upload documents.<\/b> For a tourist application you normally need:<\/span>\n

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