Russia Visa for Indians 2026: e-Visa vs Sticker Visa Guide

October 12, 2026

Quick answer: Indian citizens still need a visa for Russia in 2026. For a short tourist trip, the Unified e-Visa allows a stay of up to 16 days, takes about 4 calendar days and costs about US$52, with no invitation letter needed. For longer stays, multiple entries or non-tourist purposes, you apply for a traditional sticker visa through the Russian embassy or its visa centre. Visa-free group travel between India and Russia has been discussed but is not in force.

Russia is one of the most popular long-haul trips for Indian travellers: Moscow and St Petersburg in summer, and snowy city breaks in winter. The visa is the first decision. This guide explains the two routes, what you need for each and how to choose.

Route 1: the Unified e-Visa (best for short tourist trips)

  • Where to apply – Details: Russia's official Unified e-Visa portal (evisa.kdmid.ru). Check the address; avoid lookalike sites

  • Stay allowed – Details: Up to 16 days, single entry

  • Processing – Details: About 4 calendar days

  • Fee – Details: About US$52 (roughly ₹4,300–4,400 at recent rates); confirm the current amount on the portal

  • Invitation letter – Details: Not required for the e-visa according to current guides

  • Validity – Details: Valid for entry for a limited period after issue (commonly 60 days); check your visa

What you need for the e-visa

  • Passport valid for at least six months from the application date, with blank pages

  • A scan of the passport bio page

  • A recent passport-style photo that meets the portal's specifications

  • Travel medical insurance covering your whole stay in Russia

  • A valid email address and a debit or credit card for the fee

Route 2: the sticker visa (the traditional embassy visa)

The 'sticker visa' is the visa you apply for through the Russian embassy or its authorised visa centre, which is placed as a sticker in your passport. It is what most older guides and many search queries refer to. It is the route to use when the e-visa does not fit your plans:

  • stays longer than 16 days

  • multiple-entry visas

  • business, study, work or other non-tourist purposes

  • entry or exit points not covered by the e-visa

Sticker visas usually need a visa-support document such as an invitation or tourist confirmation from a Russian host or travel company, a detailed application form, photographs, your original passport, proof of travel and insurance, and take noticeably longer than the e-visa, commonly one to three weeks. Requirements vary by visa type, so confirm the checklist with the visa centre or a visa-assistance partner.

Which one should you choose?

  • Moscow and St Petersburg, 5–10 days – Best route: Unified e-Visa

  • Leaving soon (a few weeks) – Best route: Unified e-Visa, if eligible

  • More than 16 days or multiple entries – Best route: Sticker visa

  • Work, study or business trips – Best route: Sticker visa for the correct category

  • Not sure – Best route: Ask a visa-assistance partner; the wrong choice costs time

Is Russia visa-free for Indians?

Not yet. A visa-free arrangement for organised tourist groups between India and Russia has been under negotiation, and a pilot has been discussed, but as of 2026 reports we found no confirmation that it is in force. Until it is, every Indian traveller needs an e-visa or a sticker visa. Beware of confusion with India's own free e-visa for Russian citizens, which runs in the opposite direction.

Common mistakes

  • Insurance gaps. Make sure the policy covers the full stay and Russia.

  • Photo or scan rejections. Follow the portal's size and background rules exactly.

  • Overstaying the 16 days. The e-visa is strictly capped; plan your itinerary accordingly.

  • Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is approved. Wait for the visa, especially in peak season.

Fees, processing times and eligibility change; confirm everything on the official portal or with the Russian embassy before you pay or book.

Plan the trip with us

Travels Mantra's Russian Fairy Tale tour (6 nights, 7 days) starts from ₹59,999 per person; see the Russia tour packages. Our Russia visa assistance starts from ₹15,500; see our visa assistance page or message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will tell you which route fits. For other Central Asia visas, read our Central Asia visa guide for Indians.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for Russia in 2026?

Yes. Indians need either the Unified e-Visa for short tourist trips or a sticker visa from the embassy for other cases. Visa-free group travel is not yet in force.

What is a Russia sticker visa?

The traditional visa issued through the Russian embassy or its visa centre and placed as a sticker in your passport. It is used for longer stays, multiple entries and non-tourist purposes.

How long does the Russia e-visa take?

About 4 calendar days for the Unified e-Visa, so apply at least two weeks before you travel.

How much does the Russia e-visa cost?

About US$52 (roughly ₹4,300–4,400), according to recent guides. Confirm the current fee on the official portal.

How long can I stay in Russia on the e-visa?

Up to 16 days on a single entry.

Last updated: 12 October 2026.Introduction

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