Russia and India Negotiate Visa Fee Removal
Russia and India are discussing the cancellation of visa fees for tourists.
Consensus
- Russia and India are discussing the removal of visa fees for tourists.
- The talks are taking place through their foreign ministries.
- The goal is to increase tourism demand and reduce travel costs.
- There has been a rise in tourist visits from India to Russia and from Russia to India in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
- Russia is collaborating with BRICS partners on tourism initiatives, including the creation of a BRICS gastronomic tourism association.
Points of divergence
- Russia is working on establishing a BRICS Association of Gastronomic Tourism, with an initiative presented in July during a business mission to India. — fontanka
- Russia and India previously considered introducing a visa-free regime for tourist groups of 3 to 50 people for up to 21 days, but the idea was paused. — kommersant
- The cost of a single-entry visa to India for Russians is 3,500 rubles, a double-entry visa is 7,500 rubles, and a multiple-entry visa is 9,900 rubles. — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Russia and India are holding talks on the cancellation of visa fees — Фонтанка
- Russia and India discuss cancellation of visa fees for tourists — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
- Russia
- India
- Nikita Kondratev
- RIA Novosti
- Ministry of Economic Development
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Economic Development
- Representatives of foreign ministries