Russia and India Discuss ‘Group-Free Visa Regime’ to Boost Tourism

Indian tourists could soon enter Russia without a visa if travelling in groups

Russia and India are in discussions to establish a groundbreaking group-free visa regime, offering tourists traveling in specified groups the opportunity to visit Russia without the need for a visa. The Moscow City Tourism Committee made this announcement on Thursday, revealing exciting new prospects for Indian travelers.

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, confirmed the ongoing talks with India’s External Affairs Ministry to finalize the details of this potential agreement. He explained that when tourists travel together in a group, a specified number will be permitted to enter Russia without requiring a visa.

For instance, the group-free visa regime could allow a group of 10 to 20 tourists, similar to arrangements made with China. The final number for Indian groups is still under discussion, with the aim of making travel easier for Indian tourists.

This initiative comes as Russia looks to boost its international tourism market, with India recognized as a vital source of visitors. Kozlov highlighted that India ranks second in terms of tourists coming from far abroad countries, following China. “India is a priority market for us, with Chinese tourists leading the charge. Indians are not only frequent travelers but also significant spenders, with an average spend of around USD 2,000 per person per trip,” Kozlov stated during an event on Wednesday evening.

In the first nine months of 2024, Moscow welcomed 19.7 million tourists, including 61,000 from India. Looking ahead, the city’s tourism outlook is optimistic, with projections estimating that by 2030, foreign visitors to Moscow will reach 6 million. A major factor contributing to this growth is the increase in tourists from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Asia-Pacific region, India, the Middle East, and other international markets.

Moscow’s efforts to enhance its tourism sector have been a major focus in recent years. Kozlov attributed this to the city’s investments in tourism infrastructure, active promotional campaigns in key markets like India, and the introduction of an e-visa regime. These initiatives have helped Moscow become a more attractive destination for global travelers.

Russia: Targeting Diverse Tourism Segments

Moscow’s tourism strategy includes a focus on business, wedding, family, and film tourism. Kozlov revealed that the Moscow City Tourism Committee is currently engaging with Indian film production houses to invite them to shoot in the city, using cinema as a tool to attract more Indian visitors. “We are offering incentives to production houses, which are still under discussion, to showcase Moscow in their films,” he explained.

This initiative is expected to be a key component of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its ties with India and increase tourism. By leveraging India’s film industry, Russia hopes to create a lasting cultural connection and showcase the vibrant culture and landmarks of Moscow to a broader Indian audience.

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