India entry requirements for Russia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Russian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter India. It covers tourism, business, and medical visits, with a stay of up to 30 days. Apply online at least 4 days before your trip.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for your Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Russian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Immigration officers at Delhi, Mumbai, and other major airports check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from India
Immigration at Indian airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave India within your eVisa's validity period. Airlines at departure also check this before issuing a boarding pass — have a printed copy or digital booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
While not always checked, having a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in India speeds up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends or family, carry their address and contact details written down.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Immigration officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing available funds — around $300–$500 USD for a short visit is a safe benchmark. They rarely ask, but it's better to have it.Recommended
e-Visa is not for all purposes
The e-Visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. It does not cover employment, journalism, or long-term study. For those, apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed. It speeds up the process and avoids delays.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, pay the fee (around $25 for 30-day tourist e-Visa), and submit. You'll get a confirmation email within 72 hours.
2
Print or save your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll receive an e-Visa document by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at an eligible airport
The e-Visa is valid at 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Goa. You must use one of these airports to enter. Land immigration counters are separate from regular visa queues.
4
Go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs for 'e-Visa' or 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Present your passport, e-Visa, and return ticket. They'll take your photo and fingerprints. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
CostINR 7,000 (~$84 USD)

Requires application at Indian embassy/consulate; no extension.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 10,000 (~$120 USD)

Allows multiple entries; no extension.

Business visa
Max stayUp to 1 year per visit
Validity1–5 years
CostINR 15,000 (~$180 USD) for 1 year

Requires invitation letter from Indian company.

Medical visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostINR 10,000 (~$120 USD)

For medical treatment; requires hospital documents.

student visa
Student Visa (S-Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 15,000 (~$180 USD) for 1 year
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 20,000 (~$240 USD) for 1 year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employment contract and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Business Visa (B-Visa) for Investors
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 25,000 (~$300 USD) for 1 year
For foreign investors starting a business in India. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD and business plan. Allows long-term stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (not officially available)
N/A
N/A
India does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Seniors may use tourist visas with extensions or apply for a long-term visa on a case-by-case basis.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (e-Tourist Visa) feeNon-refundable, paid online during application.INR 3,500 (~$42 USD) for 30-day entry; varies by duration
Tourist visa (single entry, 6 months)For longer stays beyond eVisa validity.INR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Allows multiple entries for up to 1 year.INR 10,000 (~$120 USD)
Overstay finePayable at FRRO or immigration office before departure.INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 20,000 (~$240 USD)
eVisa extension fee (via FRRO)Only for medical, business, or emergency reasons; not for tourism.INR 1,000 (~$12 USD) per month, max 6 months

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through India

No transit visa needed

Russian passport holders transiting through India do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, if leaving the airport or staying longer, a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore

Health & vaccines for India

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.

MalariaHigh risk

Present in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travelers to affected regions.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

For eVisa extensions and overstay regularization; bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.

Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

Handles visa extensions and registration; online appointment recommended.

Practical information for RU travellers

Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 96.24 INR
updated May 22
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Police100
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to India — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Usually 72 hours, but apply at least 4 days before your flight to be safe. Some applications take longer if there are errors or extra checks.
No. The e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and reapply. For longer stays, consider a regular visa from the Indian embassy.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. The e-Visa is only valid for entry at designated airports and seaports. For land borders (e.g., from Nepal), you need a regular visa.
For a 30-day tourist e-Visa, the fee is around $25 USD. Fees vary by nationality and visa type. Pay online by credit card or debit card.
It's strongly recommended. While some airlines accept a digital copy on your phone, having a printout avoids issues if your phone dies or the screen is hard to read.
You'll get a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incorrect photo, expired passport, or criminal record. You can reapply after fixing the issue, but you'll need to pay the fee again.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.