🇮🇳 India Visa Guide for Russian Citizens – Step-by-Step Process

Planning a trip to India from Russia? One of the first steps is obtaining the right visa. Thankfully, India offers an easy and largely online visa process for Russian passport holders. This guide will walk you through the different visa types, application steps, fees, documents, and helpful tips to make the process smooth and stress-free.

🧳 1. Choose the Right Visa Type

For most Russian tourists, the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is the most convenient option. Here are the most common categories:

• e-Tourist Visa – For sightseeing, casual travel, visiting friends/relatives (valid for 30, 90, or 180 days).

• e-Business Visa – For attending meetings, trade, or business events.

• e-Medical Visa – For medical treatment in India.

• Regular Sticker Visa – For long stays, study, employment, etc., applied via the Indian Embassy.

🟢 Note: The e-Visa system is fully online, easy to track, and faster than traditional consulate visas.

🖥️ 2. Apply Online for an e-Visa

Follow these steps:

✅ Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Indian e-Visa website:
🌐 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

✅ Step 2: Fill the Online Application Form

• Choose visa type (e.g., e-Tourist)

• Enter passport details, travel dates, port of entry

• Upload a recent passport-sized photo (white background)

• Upload a scanned copy of your passport (first page)

✅ Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

• Visa fee for Russian citizens varies (typically USD $10–25) depending on the duration and season.

• Payment is done online via credit/debit card.

✅ Step 4: Wait for Approval

• Processing time: 3 to 5 working days

• You’ll receive an email confirmation with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

📄 3. Documents Required

Make sure you have:

• Valid Russian passport (at least 6 months validity from date of arrival)

• Clear scanned passport copy (PDF format)

• Recent passport-size photo (JPEG, less than 1MB)

• Email ID & credit/debit card

• Confirmed travel itinerary or hotel booking (recommended)

🛬 4. Arrival in India: What to Carry

When flying to India, carry:

• A printout of your e-Visa approval (ETA)

• Your passport (same as used in application)

• Return ticket & proof of accommodation (may be asked by immigration)

✅ Upon arrival at any of the 29 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, etc.), present your ETA and passport for biometric entry.

📅 5. Visa Validity & Entry Rules

• 30-Day Visa: Double entry allowed

• 1-Year and 5-Year e-Visa: Multiple entries permitted

• e-Visa validity starts from the date of arrival, not from the date of issue

🚫 Note: You must apply at least 4 days before travel, but not earlier than 30 days prior (for short visas) or 120 days (for long-term visas).

🛑 6. Things to Remember

• e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible

• You cannot enter via land borders (e.g., Nepal or Bangladesh) using an e-Visa

• Do not use third-party agents or unofficial websites

🌐 7. Indian Embassy Contact (for Regular Visa)

If applying for a traditional sticker visa or for extended stays:
Embassy of India in Moscow
📍 Vorontsovo Pole St., 6-8, Moscow, Russia
📞 +7 (495) 783 7535
🌐 www.indianembassy-moscow.gov.in

🏁 Conclusion

India's e-Visa system makes it easy for Russian travelers to explore the country’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and spiritual landscapes. Follow the steps carefully, apply on time, and you’ll be ready to discover India with peace of mind.