India eVisa for Russian Citizens: Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply in 2026
India is a fascinating destination for Russian travelers, offering everything from the iconic Taj Mahal and the beaches of Goa to the spiritual city of Varanasi and the bustling streets of Mumbai. Fortunately for Russian citizens, India offers a convenient electronic visa (eVisa) system that eliminates the need to visit an embassy in person. This guide covers everything you need to know about the India eVisa for Russian citizens in 2026, including eligibility, fees, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application walkthrough.
India has long been a popular destination for Russians, both for tourism and spiritual retreats. With Viza, you can verify your visa requirements instantly and get started on your application with a personalized checklist.
- Russian citizens need a visa to enter India — the easiest option is the eVisa
- Tourist eVisa allows stays of up to 30 days with double entry
- eVisa fee: approximately USD 80 (varies by nationality and visa type; +2.5% bank charge)
- Processing time: 2-4 business days (apply at least 4 days before travel)
- Must apply between 4 and 30 days before arrival date
- Entry restricted to designated international airports and seaports only
India eVisa for Russian Citizens: Overview
As of March 2026, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports are eligible for the Indian eVisa. This is the recommended and most convenient way to obtain authorization to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | eVisa required (no visa-free entry) |
| eVisa type (tourist) | 30-day tourist eVisa, double entry |
| Maximum stay | 30 days per entry |
| Entry type | Double entry |
| eVisa fee | ~USD 80 (+ 2.5% bank charge) |
| Processing time | 2-4 business days |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from arrival date |
| Application window | 4 to 30 days before arrival |
India also offers longer-validity eVisa options, including 1-year and 5-year tourist eVisas, as well as business and medical eVisas. However, the 30-day tourist eVisa is the most common choice for short holidays.
Tip: Use the Viza Russia to India visa checker to confirm your requirements and see all available visa types.
Types of India eVisa Available to Russian Citizens
India offers several categories of eVisa, each suited to different travel purposes:
eTourist Visa
| Option | Validity | Stay | Entries | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day eTourist | 30 days | 30 days | Double | ~USD 80 |
| 1-year eTourist | 1 year | 90 days per visit | Multiple | ~USD 80 |
| 5-year eTourist | 5 years | 90 days per visit | Multiple | ~USD 100 |
eBusiness Visa
The eBusiness eVisa allows stays of up to 180 days and is intended for commercial activities such as meetings, trade fairs, or establishing business contacts. The fee is approximately USD 100, and processing may take 2-7 business days.
eMedical Visa
For Russian citizens traveling to India for medical treatment, the eMedical eVisa allows stays of up to 60 days with triple entry. A letter from a recognized Indian hospital is required as part of the application.
Required Documents for India eVisa
When applying for an India eVisa, Russian citizens must prepare the following documents:
- Valid Russian passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages
- Digital passport photo — Recent color photograph with a white background, face centered, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), JPEG format
- Passport bio page scan — Clear color scan of the biographical data page of your passport in PDF or JPEG format
- Return or onward ticket — Confirmed flight booking showing your departure from India
- Hotel reservation or invitation — Proof of accommodation for your stay in India
- Proof of sufficient funds — Bank statement or credit card to demonstrate financial capability
For eBusiness eVisa, you will additionally need a business card and optionally an invitation letter from the Indian company.
How to Apply for an India eVisa: Step by Step
- Check your eligibility — Visit Viza's Russia to India page to confirm your visa type and requirements
- Go to the official Indian eVisa portal — Navigate to indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa and select "Apply for eVisa"
- Fill in the application form — Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and Indian port of arrival
- Upload documents — Upload your passport photo and passport bio page scan in the required format and resolution
- Pay the visa fee — Pay approximately USD 80 plus a 2.5% bank processing charge via credit/debit card
- Receive your Application ID — Save this number to track your application status
- Wait for processing — Standard processing takes 2-4 business days; apply at least 4 days before travel
- Download your eVisa — Once approved, download the eVisa PDF from the portal
- Print the eVisa — Carry two printed copies when you travel to India
Important: Apply between 4 and 30 days before your planned arrival date. Applications submitted too early or too late may be rejected. Viza can help you time your application correctly.
Designated Entry Points for eVisa Holders
Indian eVisa holders can enter India only through designated international airports and seaports. Land border crossings are generally not permitted for first entry on an eVisa. Major designated airports include:
- Delhi (DEL) — Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Mumbai (BOM) — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Goa (GOI) — Manohar International Airport / Dabolim Airport
- Bangalore (BLR) — Kempegowda International Airport
- Chennai (MAA) — Chennai International Airport
- Kolkata (CCU) — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Hyderabad (HYD) — Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Fees and Processing Times
Visa Fees
| eVisa Type | Approximate Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day tourist eVisa | ~$80 | + 2.5% bank charge |
| 1-year tourist eVisa | ~$80 | + 2.5% bank charge |
| 5-year tourist eVisa | ~$100 | + 2.5% bank charge |
| Business eVisa | ~$100 | + 2.5% bank charge |
| Medical eVisa | ~$80 | + 2.5% bank charge |
Note: Indian eVisa fees vary by nationality. The amounts shown are indicative for Russian citizens. The exact fee is calculated on the official eVisa portal during application. Fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Processing Times
| eVisa Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | 2-4 business days | Often completed within 72 hours |
| Business eVisa | 2-7 business days | May require additional verification |
| Medical eVisa | 2-4 business days | Hospital letter may be verified |
| Viza Service Fee | $5 |
Practical Tips for Russian Travelers to India
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). 1 USD is approximately 83-85 INR as of March 2026
- Best time to visit: October to March (cooler and drier across most regions)
- Direct flights: Direct flights from Moscow to Delhi and Mumbai are available via Aeroflot and Air India
- Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for travelers from Russia, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended — medical costs can be significant without coverage
- SIM cards: Tourist SIMs available at airports (Jio, Airtel); activation may take 24-48 hours due to verification requirements
- Restricted areas: Some regions (parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.) require additional permits even with an eVisa
- Pakistan connection: Travelers whose parents or grandparents were born in or permanently resided in Pakistan are not eligible for eVisa and must apply through an Indian mission
Official source: India eVisa Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. Russian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. The easiest option is the eVisa, which can be applied for entirely online.
How much does an India eVisa cost for Russians?
The 30-day tourist eVisa costs approximately USD 80 plus a 2.5% bank processing charge. Fees vary by eVisa type and may change; check the official portal for current rates.
How long does the India eVisa take to process?
Standard processing takes 2-4 business days. Most applications are completed within 72 hours, but high-volume periods may extend this.
How long can I stay in India with an eVisa?
The standard 30-day tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days with double entry. Longer-validity options (1-year, 5-year) allow stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Can I enter India by land on an eVisa?
Generally no. eVisa holders must enter through designated international airports or seaports. Land border crossings are not permitted for first entry on an eVisa.
Can I extend my India eVisa?
The 30-day tourist eVisa cannot be extended. If you need more time, consider applying for a 1-year or 5-year eTourist visa, or a regular visa through an Indian embassy.
Start Your India Journey with Viza
India offers Russian travelers an incredible range of experiences, from the Himalayas to tropical Kerala. The eVisa system makes entry straightforward, with a simple online application that takes just minutes to complete.
Use Viza to verify your requirements, get a personalized document checklist, and begin your India eVisa application today. With Viza, the visa process becomes the easiest part of planning your Indian adventure.
