In an exciting development for travel enthusiasts, Indian tourists will soon be able to visit Moscow without the need for traditional visas. A senior official revealed that by spring 2025, the first groups of visa-free Indian tourists are expected to begin their journey to the Russian capital, according to Economic Times.

Evgeny Kozlov, chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, said a pending deal is expected to significantly increase the influx of Indian travelers to Moscow. “Moscow continues to attract increasing numbers of Indian visitors,” he said.

In the first half of 2024, the number of Indian visitors reached 28,500, an increase of 50% compared to the same period last year. In 2023, India was recognized as one of the leading countries for travelers coming to Moscow from outside the CIS, with more than 60,000 Indian tourists visiting throughout the year, i.e. an increase of 26% compared to 2022. Kozlov noted that most Indian travelers come for business and work. purposes.

The introduction of e-visas for Indian nationals in August last year has made travel easier, with around 9,500 e-visas issued, accounting for 6% of all e-visas granted to foreign visitors to Russia. As of January 2024, around 1,700 e-visas have been issued to Indian tourists.

Kozlov emphasized that Moscow’s appeal lies in its vibrant festivals, exhibitions and conferences throughout the year, making the city an important hub for event and business tourism. He also said there were plans to attract more Indian weddings to the city.

Looking ahead, Moscow aims to expand its hospitality services with an ambitious plan to add 25,700 hotel rooms by 2030, strengthening its position as a destination for international tourists.