Russia Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

From the iconic domes of St. Basil’s in Moscow to the ethereal Northern Lights in Murmansk, Russia is an unforgettable destination. For Indian citizens, the new Unified E-Visa has made entry simpler than ever. Skyway Tours & Travels assists you in navigating the application and, crucially, preparing for the unique financial situation due to international sanctions.

🚀 The "Unified E-Visa" (Best Option)

Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry E-Visa valid for 60 days, allowing a stay of up to 16 days. It covers the entire Russian Federation.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Cards & Currency Alert

Due to sanctions, Indian Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) DO NOT WORK in Russia.
Solution: You MUST carry USD or Euro Cash from India and exchange it for Rubles at banks in Russia. Do not rely on your cards.

Visa Types for Indian Nationals

1. Unified E-Visa (Recommended for < 16 Days)

  • Validity: The visa is valid for entry within 60 days of issuance.
  • Duration of Stay: Maximum 16 Days (Note: The day of arrival counts as Day 1, regardless of time).
  • Processing Time: Typically 4 Business Days.
  • Entry Points: Valid for all major airports including Moscow (SVO/DME/VKO), St. Petersburg (LED), and others.

2. Sticker Tourist Visa (For > 16 Days)

If you plan to stay longer than 16 days (e.g., Trans-Siberian Railway trip):

  • Requirement: You need a physical "Tourist Voucher" (Invitation Letter) from a Russian tour agency. Skyway Tours can arrange this for you.
  • Validity: Can be issued for 30 or 90 days.
  • Process: Physical submission of passport at the Consulate/Visa Center in India.

Essential Documents Required (E-Visa)

To process your E-Visa through Skyway Tours:

  • Passport Scan: Bio-page valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
  • Photograph: Digital photo (35x45mm) on a white background (JPEG format).
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory for the entire duration of stay. It must explicitly state coverage in "Russia" or "Worldwide."

❄️ Winter Wonderland: Top Things to Do

Russia is vast, but these three hubs are the most popular for Indian tourists:

Moscow (The Capital)

Walk the iconic Red Square, see the Kremlin, visit the Gum Mall, and explore the Moscow Metro stations, which look like underground palaces.

Murmansk (Northern Lights)

Located in the Arctic Circle. The best place to hunt for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) from September to April. Visit the Nuclear Icebreaker Lenin too.

St. Petersburg (Venice of the North)

The cultural capital. Visit the massive Hermitage Museum, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and watch the drawbridges open at night.

Lake Baikal

The world's deepest lake. In winter (Feb-March), the water freezes into stunning transparent Blue Ice, a photographer's paradise.

Sochi

A unique city with Black Sea beaches and snowy ski resorts (Rosa Khutor) just an hour apart. Great for both summer and winter sports.

Kazan

The meeting point of Europe and Asia. Visit the mesmerizing Kul Sharif Mosque inside the Kazan Kremlin.

✅ Why Choose Skyway Tours?

Russia is tricky due to sanctions and strict border control.

  1. Payment Solutions: We handle the E-Visa fee payment (which requires non-Indian cards) so you don't have to worry.
  2. Insurance Compliance: We issue valid Travel Medical Insurance accepted by Russian Border Control.
  3. Itinerary Planning: We connect you with trusted local guides in Murmansk for Aurora hunting who accept cash payments.

Common Questions

Is it safe to travel to Russia now?

Yes, major tourist cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Murmansk are safe and functioning normally. However, flight routes are longer (often via Dubai or Tashkent) due to airspace restrictions.

What is the "7-Day Registration" rule?

Foreigners must register with migration authorities within 7 working days of arrival. If you stay in a hotel, they do this for you automatically. Keep the registration slip safe!

Can I take a direct flight?

Direct flights (Aeroflot) operate from Delhi and Goa to Moscow. Alternatively, you can fly via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Tashkent.

Ready to hunt the Northern Lights?
Get your Russia E-Visa & Ruble Advice today!

Email: visa@skywaytourandtravel.com
Call/WhatsApp: 9496 369 777