Visa to India is now free for Russian tourists

Starting from January 1, 2026, India abolished the consular fee for Russians to apply for a 30-day electronic tourist visa (e-Tourist Visa). Previously, the fee ranged from $10 to $ 25 and was paid only with a foreign bank card.

However, the e-Tourist Visa itself has not been waived: it must still be applied for online in advance, and processing takes up to 72 hours. This double-entry visa allows a total stay of up to 30 days, counted from the date of first entry.

Along with the fee waiver, the so-called "entry corridor" has been expanded. Now, with an e-Tourist Visa, entry into India is permitted within 120 days from the date of issue, instead of the previous 30 days. This gives tourists much more flexibility in planning their trip.

However, these simplifications only applied to short-term visas. The cost of a five-year tourist visa, on the other hand, increased by 50% and now costs $120. An annual visa remains at its current price of $40. In the future, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously stated, the possibility of introducing group visa-free travel for Russian citizens is being considered.
 

Photo of Punjab by Natalia Klimenok, Russian Travel Digest