Indian passport holders may soon be able to visit Moscow without a visa, provided they travel in a group of a certain size. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is currently in discussions with the Indian government to implement a “group visa-free system.”
Under this system, a designated number of tourists traveling together will be eligible for visa-free entry into Russia. This initiative aims to boost tourism between the two nations and make travel more convenient for Indian visitors.
Discussions Underway for Group Visa-Free Entry
Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, shared this update during an event on January 30, 2025. Speaking to news agency PTI-Bhasha, he explained,
“For visa-free travel to Russia in a group, a specific number of travelers must be mentioned in the official document. For example, in the case of Chinese tourists, the required group size is between 10-20 people. We are in discussions with the Indian Foreign Ministry to finalize similar requirements for Indian travelers.”
Why India is a Key Market for Moscow
India is a crucial tourism market for Moscow, ranking second among long-distance source countries, just after China. According to Kozlov, Indian tourists are valuable contributors to the tourism industry, spending approximately $2,000 per person per trip.
Between January and September 2024, 61,000 Indian tourists visited Moscow, contributing to the city’s overall 1.97 crore international visitors in the first nine months of the year.
Moscow’s Tourism Growth and Infrastructure Development
In recent years, Moscow has prioritized enhancing its tourism infrastructure to attract more international travelers. Kozlov highlighted three major reasons why tourists are increasingly choosing Moscow:
- Improved tourism infrastructure – Upgraded transport, accommodations, and attractions.
- Targeted promotion in key markets – Special campaigns in countries like India.
- Expansion of the e-visa system – Making travel procedures smoother for foreign visitors.
Moscow as a Destination for Film, Business, and Wedding Tourism
Apart from leisure tourism, Moscow is also positioning itself as a hub for business, wedding, and film tourism. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is actively engaging with Indian production houses, inviting them to consider the city as a filming location.
“We want to showcase Moscow to Indian audiences through cinema. Our representatives are meeting with production houses and film directors to encourage them to feature Moscow in their films. We are also planning incentives for film projects, which are currently under discussion,” Kozlov added.
Final Thoughts
If finalized, this visa-free group travel arrangement will make Russia a much more accessible destination for Indian tourists. With India’s growing interest in international travel and Moscow’s efforts to attract more visitors, this initiative could mark the beginning of a new era in India-Russia tourism relations.