Russia has captivated tourists with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and different culture. It is a world’s largest country that offers an unparalleled travel experience from the Red Square in Moscow to the historic charm of Saint Petersburg. Also, You can go to Russia for Business purposes. As an Indian traveler, If you are planning a trip to Russia for Tourism or Business purposes then you will need a Russia e visa or Russia Tourist visa. In this blog, I will guide you everything you need to know before going to Russia such as places to visit, required documents, application process, check visa status, etc. 

What type of visa do you need for Russia?

As an Indian traveler, you can apply for a traditional Russia Tourist Visa or Russia e Visa depending on the plan to visit. Both visas are available for the purpose of tourism and different in terms of application processes, validity, and areas of entry. We will know more about what type of visa you need.

a. Russia e visa

For Indian travelers, Russia offers Russia e visa that is available for specific regions of tourism. This e visa process is simpler and faster then the Traditional process, valid for 16 days which is perfect for short term purposes. According to the reports, Russia will soon expand the issuance of e-visa from 60 to 120 days and length of stay also increased from 16 to 30 days. 

b. Russia Tourist Visa

Russia Tourist Visa offers a single entry visa, it allows Indian travelers to explore Russia up to 30 days. Recently, Russia extended e-visa to 64 countries and has been overhauling its visa policies to increase tourism, so before applying, you can check visa policies on the website. By spring 2025, Indian tourists can travel to Russia without the need of a visa. 

Places to visit in Russia

Russia is the largest country that has a variety of stunning or modern attraction places and cultural heritages where you can go and explore those places. Let's explore some of the top Russia tourism places that are a perfect blend of history, adventure and culture. 

a. Moscow

The capital of Russia Moscow perfectly blends ancient history with modern attraction. It is the heart of Russian culture like Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. The Kremlin is a group of buildings in the center of Moscow that houses the President's official residence, several fascinating museums, and It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also go to St. Basil's Cathedral, which is a stunning example of Russian architecture. Moscow's shopping districts and nightlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Russia.

b. St. Petersburg 

St. Petersburg is known as “Venice of the North” because this city design was influenced heavily by Amsterdam which is a capital of the Netherlands. In 1703, Tsar Peter the Great founded this city that is famous for its grand canals, impressive palaces, and world-class museums that show an architectural and cultural gem of Russia. Also, you can visit the Winter Palace, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, The Peter and Paul Fortress. The Peter and Paul Fortress is a historic symbol of St. Petersburg and offers attractive views of the city. 

c. Kazan

The capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan. This largest city is a mix of Tatar and Russian culture and it is located on the Volga River. In this city, Islamic and Christian traditions coexist nicely that is visible in its stunning architecture such as The Kazan Kremlin, home to the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful places in Russia where you can see galleries, a vibrant arts scene, traditional Tatar performances, and  theaters in Kazan. 

d. Sochi

Sochi, a resort city of Russia, is located on the Black Sea Coast. This city offers natural landscapes and modern infrastructure. It is an ideal or dream destination for those tourists who are seeking adventure and relaxation. So, In the winters, you can ski and snowboard around the Caucasus Mountains and During the warmer months, you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife, beaches, and lush parks. The Rosa Khutor ski resort, the Sochi Arboretum, and the Olympic Park are Sochi's attractive places. 

e. Golden Ring

Golden Ring is a tourist route that was developed in 1960. It is a collection of historic towns northeast of Moscow that shows traditional wooden houses, medieval architecture and ancient monasteries. Suzdal, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl are the famous towns of the Golden Ring known for picturesque landscapes, Orthodox churches, and bell towers. Suzda is known for its stunning kremlin and calm atmosphere, A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vladimir is home to the Assumption Cathedral and Yaroslavl is one of the largest cities in Russia that is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history. 

How to apply for a Tourist visa to Russia? 

Now, Russia has started collecting biometric data of all foreign travelers at Borders from December 2024. So, all the procedures are online but before going to Russia, you will need to know what type of documents are required and how to apply for a tourist visa. Follow the following points to get tourist visa:

• Firstly, you should have a visa invitation letter from a Russian travel agency or a hotel.

• Fill the Russia visa application form with the basic personal details, and you should have a valid passport with 6 months validity.

• Upload your required documents such as Passport, digital photo, Visa support documents, Travel itinerary and insurance, etc.

• Review your application and pay the processing fees. 

• Submit your application, you will receive a confirmation mail with reference number. 

• Wait for visa approval, once your visa is approved you can download and print the copy and carry it with you during travel to Russia.

How to check Russia visa status?

If you want to check if your visa is approved or pending then you can easily check Russia visa tracking through your reference number. When you apply for a visa, you will receive a reference number in your mail. Simply, visit the website, go to “track your application” or “visa status” section, fill the reference number and captcha and click on submit. Now, you can see your visa is pending or approved.

Conclusion: Russia adventure as Indian Traveler

Obtaining a Tourist visa for Russia is a straightforward and easy process for Indians. You can enjoy up to 30 days in Russia and explore its vibrant nightlife, heritage and historical places, and stunning views at Sochi. Soon, you can travel to Russia without needing a visa in 2025 that helps to create memorable moments and experiences in your life. Make sure, apply for a visa advance that avoids unnecessary problems. So, ready to travel to Russia?