Russia and India to Introduce Visa-Free Group Travel by 2024

Traveling in groups between Russia and India will soon become much easier. Tourists will no longer need individual visas, making the application process simpler. This change is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. The new visa-free travel program is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.

Work on this initiative has already begun. Officials from both countries will meet in June 2024 for their first round of talks to finalize a bilateral agreement, aiming to sign it by the end of the year.

Nikita Kondratyev, a director at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, shared details at the recent “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2024.” He mentioned that India is close to completing its internal preparations and expressed optimism about finalizing the agreement soon.

This visa-free travel program will follow a successful model already used between Russia and countries like China and Iran. Since August 2023, travelers from these nations have been able to visit Russia in group tours without needing individual visas, which has significantly increased tourism and cultural exchange.

The discussions on visa-free travel highlight the commitment of both Russia and India to strengthening their relationship in the tourism sector. This initiative aligns with the goals of the ongoing “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” which promotes economic and cultural ties between Russia and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

As the world recovers from the pandemic, visa-free programs like this one offer a positive boost for the tourism industry. They encourage cultural understanding, economic growth, and easier travel experiences.

With visa-free travel soon to be a reality, Russia and India are set to start a new chapter of tourism cooperation, enriching both economies and enhancing cultural exchanges.