Do citizens of India need a visa to visit Russia?

Yes. Citizens of India can apply for a unified e-Visa (online, up to 16 days) or a standard consular visa for longer stays. Both tourist and business consular visas require an invitation letter.

How do I apply for the Russian e-Visa from India?

Apply on the official portal evisa.kdmid.ru. Upload a passport photo, pay USD 52, and receive your e-Visa by email within approximately 4 calendar days. No invitation letter is needed for the e-Visa.

What is a visa invitation letter and do I need one?

An invitation letter (visa support) is required for consular tourist and business visas — but NOT for the e-Visa. It's an official document confirming the purpose of your trip. You can order one online from about $16 (tourist) or $30 (business).

How much does a Russian visa cost for India citizens?

The e-Visa costs USD 52. A consular visa fee varies by processing speed (standard ~$50–80, express ~$100–150). Add the invitation letter ($16–30) and VFS service fee if applicable.

Where can I apply for a Russian visa in India?

Russia has diplomatic missions in: New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai. There are also 4 visa application center(s) (e.g. VFS Global). See our consulate directory for full addresses and hours.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

The e-Visa is processed in approximately 4 calendar days. A standard consular visa takes 4–20 business days depending on the consulate and processing type (standard, express, or urgent).

🇮🇳e-Visa eligibleUpdated 1 July 2026

Russian Visa for India Citizens

Citizens of India can enter Russia with a unified e-Visa (up to 16 days, applied online) or a standard consular visa for longer stays. Both tourist and business visas require an invitation letter.

Order Invitation Letter Full Visa Guide

Quick Facts

Visa requirement: e-Visa or consular visa
e-Visa: Up to 16 days, single entry, $52
Processing time: 4 calendar days (e-Visa)
Invitation letter: From $16 (tourist) / $30 (business)
Where to apply: New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai + 1 more

Visa Options for India Passport Holders

Unified e-Visa

Single entry, up to 16 days
Applied online (evisa.kdmid.ru)
No invitation letter needed
Processing: ~4 calendar days
Cost: USD 52

Tourist Visa

Single/double entry, up to 30 days
Requires invitation letter (tourist voucher)
Apply at consulate or VFS center
Processing: 4–20 business days
Invitation from $16

Business Visa

Single/double/multiple entry
Up to 1 year (multiple entry)
Requires business invitation letter
Apply at consulate or VFS center
Invitation from $30

How to Get a Russian Visa from India

For the e-Visa, apply online in minutes. For a consular visa, follow these steps:

1
Check eligibility
Confirm your nationality is on the 64-country e-Visa list. If not, you will need a standard visa.
2
Apply online
Complete the application at the official MFA portal evisa.kdmid.ru with your passport details and a digital photo.
3
Pay the consular fee
Pay roughly USD 52. Children under 6 are exempt. No invitation, hotel booking or tickets are required.
4
Receive your e-Visa
Processing is up to 4 days. Download and print the approved e-Visa; you receive it by email.
5
Travel to Russia
Enter through an authorised checkpoint (most major airports incl. Moscow & St Petersburg). Stay up to 30 days, single entry.

Start with Step 1 — Order Invitation Letter

Processing times & costs for India citizens

Typical visa processing times and approximate costs for India passport holders applying for a Russian visa.

Visa type	Processing time	Approximate cost
Unified e-Visa	Up to 4 calendar days	USD 52
Tourist visa	4–20 business days	Consular fee + ~USD 16–20 (invitation)
Business visa	4–20 business days	Consular fee + USD 30–250 (invitation)

Sources: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mid.ru), e-Visa portal (evisa.kdmid.ru). Processing times are estimates and may vary by consulate and season. Consular fees depend on nationality and bilateral agreements.