India’s Free 30‑Day e‑Tourist Visa for Russians: Complete 2025 Guide by Beyond Travels
What this new free e‑tourist visa means
India has introduced a free 30‑day e‑tourist visa facility specifically for Russian nationals, with applications processed within 30 days and no government visa fee. This move is designed to boost inbound tourism from Russia, deepen India–Russia ties and encourage both individual and group travel across key Indian destinations.
For travellers, this means lower upfront costs, online processing from home and simplified planning for first‑time and repeat visitors alike. For B2B travel partners and agencies, it opens a clear opportunity to package India more competitively against other destinations offering relaxed entry for Russians.
Who can use the free 30‑day e‑tourist visa
The free e‑tourist visa facility applies to eligible Russian passport holders travelling to India for tourism purposes such as holidays, leisure, cultural tours, group trips and short family visits. It is not intended for employment, long‑term study or permanent relocation, and such travellers must continue to use regular visa categories through Indian missions.
Authorities have highlighted that the free e‑tourist visa will be issued electronically based on standard checks, so applicants must still meet basic security, documentation and travel intent requirements despite the waiver of visa fees. Age‑group restrictions have not been prominently specified in public announcements, but travellers should always verify any updated conditions at the time of applying.
Key features of the free 30‑day e‑tourist visa
Under this initiative, Russian nationals will receive a 30‑day e‑tourist visa that allows entry into India for a short stay focused on tourism activities. Public briefings indicate that applications will be processed within 30 days, aligning with typical e‑visa timelines, but travellers are strongly advised not to wait until the last moment to apply.
Officials have indicated that both individual e‑tourist visas and group tourist visa formats will be introduced for Russians, which makes it more convenient for families, incentive groups and fixed‑departure tour series to travel together under a coordinated approval. Although the visa fee is waived, applicants should still factor in possible service charges from third‑party platforms or processing partners if they choose not to apply directly.
Validity, stay rules and entries
The free e‑tourist visa for Russians is designed for a stay of up to 30 days from the date of arrival in India, which suits standard holiday itineraries. In earlier e‑tourist visa formats, 30‑day visas generally allowed a short validity window around the travel dates, so it remains important to align your arrival and departure precisely with the approved visa period.
Public information highlights that the facility is centred on short‑term tourism, so travellers should not expect long extensions or conversions to other visa types while in India. Anyone needing more time for studies, medical treatment or long business stays should explore the appropriate long‑term visa category rather than relying on the free 30‑day option.
When the free visa facility applies
The free e‑tourist visa announcement is part of a wider effort to refresh and enhance India’s inbound tourism offering, particularly after earlier temporary concessions were withdrawn. While earlier free 30‑day visas for some markets were discontinued, India is now selectively re‑introducing free or “gratis” e‑tourist visas for targeted nationalities to match current diplomatic and tourism objectives.
Specific time windows and applicability periods can vary by nationality; for example, Malaysians have been granted a free 30‑day double‑entry e‑tourist visa until the end of 2026. Russian travellers should therefore always check the latest advisory shortly before planning their trip, as timelines and coverage can be updated, extended or revised.
How to apply step‑by‑step
Applications for India’s e‑visa, including the new free e‑tourist visa for Russians, are made online through the official Indian e‑visa portal, where travellers fill in details, upload documents and make any applicable payments. The process typically involves creating an application, entering passport details, uploading a recent photograph and passport information page, then submitting the form for review.
Travelers should ensure that every detail, such as passport number, name spelling and travel dates, exactly matches the passport and flight bookings to avoid delays or rejections. Once approved, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is issued, which the traveller carries (printed or digitally accessible) and presents on arrival at one of India’s authorised entry ports.
Entry points and arrival process
E‑tourist visa holders, including those using the free 30‑day facility, must enter India through designated international airports or approved seaports listed in the e‑visa guidelines. On arrival, immigration officials verify the ETA against the passport and may ask questions about the purpose of visit, accommodation plans and return travel before stamping the entry.
Travellers should keep copies of their hotel confirmations, return or onward flight tickets and basic itinerary handy during immigration checks, especially when arriving as part of a group. After entry, visitors are generally free to travel within India according to local regulations, provided they respect any restricted or protected area rules where special permits may be required.
Travel documentation and basic requirements
To use the free 30‑day e‑tourist visa, Russian travellers will need a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity, typically at least six months from the date of arrival and with blank pages for stamps. A clear, recent photograph and a readable scan of the biographical page of the passport are usually mandatory when completing the online application.
In line with standard visa practice, travellers are also expected to have a confirmed return or onward ticket, hotel or stay details and the financial capacity to cover their expenses during the trip. Authorities may conduct random checks or request supporting evidence, so it is important to carry digital and printed backups of essential documents when travelling.
How Beyond Travels supports Russian travellers
Beyond Travels is an IATA | TICO ‑certified, government‑authorised travel and visa company, with strong expertise in managing complex visa and travel requirements for clients across India and overseas. With a dedicated visa services team and experience handling high‑volume applications for destinations like the Schengen area, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and more, the agency is well positioned to assist Russian travellers who want a seamless India experience.
For Russia–India travel, Beyond Travels can help with end‑to‑end trip planning including visa guidance, flight options, multi‑city itineraries, hotel reservations and travel insurance, all customised to preferences and budget. B2B partners can also work with Beyond Travels to co‑create group series, charters and themed itineraries that fully leverage the free visa window.
Benefits of using an expert agency instead of applying alone
While the free e‑tourist visa removes the cost of the government visa fee, the application itself must still be accurate, complete and compliant with all guidelines. Many travellers run into issues due to small errors such as mismatched dates, incorrect port of arrival selection, unclear photographs or incomplete travel details.
By working with a professional agency such as Beyond Travels, Russian travellers and partner agents can reduce the risk of rejections, minimise back‑and‑forth and receive a clear document checklist tailored to their specific trip. This is especially useful for first‑time visitors, senior travellers, large families and incentive groups where coordination and timing are critical.
Ideal itineraries Russian travellers can plan
A 30‑day stay is long enough to design rich, multi‑city itineraries that highlight India’s diversity without rushing. Russian visitors can combine classic circuits such as Delhi–Agra–Jaipur, Mumbai and coastal Goa with spiritual destinations like Varanasi or Rishikesh, or nature‑focused experiences in Kerala and the Himalayas.
Beyond Travels can build tailored itineraries that align with flight connections from Russia, seasonal weather patterns and personal interests such as wildlife, food, culture, shopping or wellness. For group tours, fixed‑departure series can be planned around major festivals, events or long weekends in Russia, making it easier to market and sell packages.
What B2B travel partners should know
For Russian and CIS‑region travel agencies, the free 30‑day e‑tourist visa significantly improves India’s value proposition compared with destinations that still charge visa fees or require embassy visits. Agencies can highlight “zero visa fee” as a major selling point while still offering premium service and curated experiences that justify their own professional fees.
By collaborating with Beyond Travels as a ground‑handling and visa support partner, B2B agencies can confidently promote India packages backed by reliable on‑ground support for hotels, transfers, sightseeing, domestic flights and emergency assistance. This partnership model allows Russian agents to focus on sales and client relationships, while Beyond Travels manages operations and compliance in India.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with a free e‑visa, travellers who treat the process casually can face avoidable complications such as delays or boarding denials. Common issues include applying with a passport nearing expiry, using incorrect photos, giving inconsistent travel dates or booking non‑refundable tickets before receiving visa approval.
Some visitors also misunderstand the nature of the free visa, assuming it can be converted to long‑stay, work or study status in India, which is not the case. To avoid such problems, it is crucial to read the latest official guidelines and, where possible, have an expert review applications and travel plans before finalising bookings.
Staying updated on policy changes
Visa rules are periodically reviewed in line with diplomatic priorities, security assessments and tourism strategy, which means benefits such as free visas can be extended, modified or withdrawn in future. For example, India has previously adjusted e‑tourist visa fees, restored longer‑term options and introduced country‑specific “gratis” facilities depending on circumstances.
Russian travellers and partner agencies should therefore treat any current announcement as accurate for “now,” but always confirm the latest status directly from official Indian government channels or through a trusted visa consultant like Beyond Travels before promoting or travelling. Maintaining this discipline protects both travellers and partners from last‑minute surprises.
Why plan your India trip with Beyond Travels
Beyond Travels combines regulated travel expertise with on‑ground experience in managing complex itineraries, multi‑city trips and diverse traveller profiles. The agency already assists a wide range of clients with visas, flights, hotels, tours and travel insurance, and is well suited to help Russian visitors make the most of India’s free 30‑day e‑tourist visa offer.
From clear pre‑travel guidance and professionally prepared visa files to carefully selected hotels and 24×7 support, Beyond Travels aims to deliver a smooth, worry‑free experience from the first enquiry until the flight back home. For Russian travellers and B2B partners looking to convert this policy change into memorable journeys and long‑term business, partnering with Beyond Travels provides a reliable, knowledgeable and service‑oriented bridge to India.
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