Russia visa for indians

Here is the Visa Lounge Gurgaon update for Russia.

1. Mandatory Document Checklist 

You have two main options: the e-Visa (for short stays) or the Sticker Visa (for longer stays).

• Passport: Original with at least 6 months validity from the date of application and 2 blank pages.

• Photographs: Digital (for e-Visa) or physical (for Sticker) photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background, 80% face coverage. No glasses are permitted.

• Travel Insurance (Non-Negotiable): You must have medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation for the entire duration of your stay. The minimum coverage must be USD 35,000 (~₹29 Lakhs).

• Tourist Confirmation (For Sticker Visa Only): Also known as a “Visa Support” or “Voucher,” this must be issued by a Russian tour operator registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• HIV Certificate: Only required for long-term Work or Student visas (stays over 3 months). It is not required for a standard Tourist e-Visa.

Important Information 

• The e-Visa “Double” Upgrade: As of August 2025, the Russia e-Visa stay limit for Indians was increased. You can now stay for up to 30 days (previously 16 days) on a single entry.

• 120-Day Validity: Once your e-Visa is issued, it is valid for 120 days. You must enter Russia within this window.

• No Invitation Required for e-Visa: The biggest perk of the e-Visa is that you do not need a hotel voucher or an invitation letter. You simply apply online with your passport and photo.

• Banking & Payments: Due to international sanctions, Indian Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards generally do not work inside Russia.

  Lounge Tip: Carry sufficient US Dollars (printed after 2013) or Euro cash to exchange for Rubles locally, or consider the “Mir” card options if available at the airport.

• Skilled Visa Route (April 2026): Russia is launching a new “Skilled Visa” pathway on April 15, 2026, allowing professionals in science, business, and tech to apply for 3-year residency with no language test required.

Can I apply for an   Russia visa online?

Partially. You can fill the application form online and book appointments through Visa lounge website https://visalounge.in/ .

What is the cost of a Russia e-Visa for Indians?

The official fee is approximately USD 52 (~₹4,800). Children under 6 years of age are typically exempt from the consular fee.

How long does the e-Visa take to process?

The processing time is impressively fast—a maximum of 4 calendar days, including weekends and holidays.

Can I enter Russia multiple times on an e-Visa?

No. The current e-Visa is strictly Single Entry. If you exit Russia (even to a neighboring country like Belarus or Kazakhstan), your visa becomes invalid, and you must apply for a new one to re-enter.

 Can I fly into any airport with an e-Visa?

The e-Visa is valid at over 100 checkpoints, including all major international airports like Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) in Moscow, and Pulkovo (LED) in St. Petersburg.

 Is a “Sticker Visa” better than an e-Visa?

Only if you need a Multiple Entry visa or a stay longer than 30 days. For a standard holiday, the e-Visa is far more cost-effective and avoids the need for an expensive invitation letter.

 Do I need to carry a physical printout of my e-Visa?

Yes. While the visa is digital, Russian border officers and airline staff at IGI Airport (Delhi) will insist on seeing a physical printout of the “e-Visa Grant Notification.”

Can I travel to Ukraine-bordering regions?

The Visa Lounge Gurgaon strongly advises avoiding all regions bordering Ukraine (such as Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk) due to ongoing security risks. Stick to the major tourist circuits of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring.

For official   RUSSIA Visa guidelines, visit the https://evisa.kdmid.ru/