Russia visas for Indians: Fees, processing times & where to apply in India

India and Russia are working towards visa-free group travel, but until rules are finalised, Indian visitors still need visas. Here is a complete guide to all current routes

India and Russia are moving towards a visa-free regime that would allow tourists to travel in groups without applying for visas. But until the details are finalised, Indians require a visa to enter the country. Russia offers several entry routes for Indian nationals depending on the purpose of travel. Each comes with its own documentation, approval process and cost. While short-stay travellers can often rely on the e-visa, those heading for work or long-term study need official invitations issued by Russian authorities.

 

Take a look at the various visas issued by Russia, according to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India:

 

Visitor and short-stay visas

 

Russia issues two main short-stay options for Indians:

 

Tourist visa Russia visa(sticker visa)

 

This is the traditional visa stamped in the passport. It is used for holidays and short personal visits. Travellers need a tourist confirmation letter from a registered Russian hotel or agency. Single or double-entry options are available, usually permitting a stay of up to 30 days.

 

Unified e-visa Russia Visa(electronic visa)

 

India is now eligible for Russia’s e-visa scheme. This allows a single entry to Russia for tourism, business meetings or cultural events. Travellers may stay for up to 16 days. The application is fully online, with no need to submit the passport physically.

 

What documents do visitors need for Russia Visa?

 

Passport valid for six months beyond travel

Online application form

One recent photograph

Travel insurance valid in Russia

Tourist confirmation (for sticker visa)

Flight and accommodation details may be requested

 

What are the fees and processing times?

 

e-visa fee: Approx ₹3,600. Processing takes 4–7 days.

Tourist sticker visa: Approx ₹6,000–₹7,500, depending on entries and visa-centre charges. Processing takes 4–10 working days.

 

Business and investment-related visas

 

Russia does not offer a stand-alone “investor visa”. Instead, investment-motivated travellers use the business visa, valid for meetings, negotiations, site visits and setting up a company.

 

Business visa types in Russia

 

Single-entry (up to 90 days)

Double-entry (up to 90 days)

Multiple-entry valid for 6 or 12 months

 

What is the key requirement for a business visa?

 

Applicants must obtain a formal invitation from a Russian company. For longer multiple-entry visas, the invitation must be issued through the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a permitted Russian agency.

 

Cost and timeline

 

Fee typically ₹6,000–₹12,000, depending on entries and processing speed.

Processing usually takes 4–20 working days. Expedited processing may be available in some centres.

 

Work visa for employment in Russia

 

Work visas are more complex, as they require prior approval from Russian authorities.

 

How does the work visa process operate?

 

1. The applicant must first receive a job offer from a Russian employer.

2. The employer applies inside Russia for a work invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3. After the invitation is issued, the applicant may submit their visa application in India.

 

Documents

 

Passport and completed visa form

Two photographs

Official work invitation

Health insurance

Employment contract or offer

Educational certificates if required by the employer

 

Cost and time

 

Total cost for a standard work visa ranges ₹13,000–₹20,000, including visa-centre fees.

Processing time: 4–20 working days after the invitation.

After arrival in Russia, the worker must complete local registration and obtain a work permit card.

 

Student visa for study in Russia

 

Indian students heading to Russian universities require a long-stay student visa.

 

What steps must students follow?

 

1. Secure admission and obtain the official university invitation.

2. Complete the visa application form and prepare photographs.

3. Purchase medical insurance accepted in Russia.

4. Submit all documents to a Russian visa-centre or consulate in India.

 

Documents

 

University invitation letter

Passport and form

Medical insurance

Photograph

Proof of fee payment or scholarship (if requested)

 

Cost and timeline

 

Single-entry student visa: Approx ₹6,000–₹7,000.

Double-entry: ₹9,000–₹10,000.

Processing time: 5–15 working days.

On arrival, students usually convert their entry visa into a long-term residence permit valid for the duration of their studies.

 

Where can Indians apply for Russian visas?

 

Applications are submitted through authorised visa-centres that work with the Russian Embassy and Consulates.

 

Visa-centre locations in India

 

Russian visa-submission centres operate in:

 

New Delhi (Embassy jurisdiction)

Mumbai

Chennai

Kolkata

 

Applicants submit their passport, application form, biometrics (if required), and supporting documents at these centres. Appointments can usually be booked online.

 

Where should travellers apply for an e-visa?

 

The unified e-visa is applied online only, via Russia’s official electronic visa portal. No physical submission is needed.

 

Which visa suits each travel purpose?

 

Holiday or short visit

Visa type: Tourist visa or e-visa

 

Tourist visa: Hotel confirmation

E-visa: No invitation required

Processing time: 4–10 days

Cost: ₹6,000–₹7,500 for tourist visa; around $40 for e-visa

 

Business or investment travel

Visa type: Business visa

Key requirement: Invitation issued by a Russian company

Processing time: 4–20 days

Cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000

 

Long-term employment

Visa type: Work visa

Key requirement: Employer-issued official work invitation approved by Russian authorities

Processing time: 4–20 days

Cost: ₹13,000–₹20,000

 

Study in Russia

Visa type: Student visa

Key requirement: Invitation from a recognised university in Russia

Processing time: 5–15 days

Cost: ₹6,000–₹10,000