Russia entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Russia in 2026. The eVisa is valid for 16 days and allows a single entry for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes. Apply online at least 4 days before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Russian eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. You need a digital photo, passport scan, and travel insurance covering the entire stay.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Indian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Russia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Border officials may request proof of where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a Russian invitation letter (if staying with friends/family) works. Keep a copy accessible. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of at least 500 USD equivalent per day of your stay. A bank statement or credit card with available limit is usually accepted. Officers rarely ask, but better to have it. | Recommended |
eVisa is single-entry only
The eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Russia (even to a neighboring country), you cannot re-enter on the same eVisa. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Keep your migration card safe
The departure portion of the migration card must be handed back when you leave Russia. Losing it can cause delays at the airport. Keep it with your passport at all times.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa
Go to evisa.kdmid.ru and fill out the online application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email. Processing takes about 4 calendar days.
2
Pack Your Documents
Print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval email, your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder for easy access.
3
Arrival at Russian Airport
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with an entry stamp valid for up to 16 days.
4
Complete Migration Card
You'll receive a migration card on the flight or at the airport. Fill in your personal details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address. Keep the departure portion with your passport — you'll need to hand it back when leaving Russia.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD (approx. 5,800 RUB)
Requires invitation letter from Russian tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 11,600 RUB)
Requires invitation letter and proof of multiple trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 15,500 RUB)
Requires invitation from Russian business partner.
Private visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$75 USD (approx. 5,800 RUB)
Requires invitation from a Russian citizen.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 23,000 RUB) plus employer fees
For highly qualified specialists with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires a work permit and higher salary threshold.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$75 USD (approx. 5,800 RUB) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Allows part-time work in some cases.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 38,500 RUB) plus investment
For investors making a significant investment in the Russian economy. Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeStandard fee for Indian passport holders applying for Russian eVisa. | ~$52 USD (approx. 4,000 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | ~$75 USD (approx. 5,800 RUB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$150 USD (approx. 11,600 RUB) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$500 USD (approx. 40,000 RUB). | ~$10 USD (approx. 800 RUB) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Russia
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Russian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or certain other visas may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours under specific conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow · Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Moscow · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), Moscow
Health & vaccines for Russia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals. Avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Poklonnaya, 10, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and migration card.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa extensions and registration issues. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 72.54 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an eVisa. It's a single-entry permit for stays up to 16 days. Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru at least 4 days before travel.
Processing typically takes 4 calendar days. Apply well in advance to avoid delays. There's no expedited option.
No, the eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave Russia within 16 days of entry. For longer stays, you'd need a different visa type (e.g., tourist visa from a Russian embassy).
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Keep a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Russia can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Russia. Always leave before your 16 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.