MOSCOW: In a major development for travel enthusiasts, Indian tourists will soon have the opportunity to visit Moscow without needing traditional visas. A senior official has announced that by spring 2025, the first visa-free tourist groups from India are expected to begin their journeys to the Russian capital.
Evgeny Kozlov, chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, shared that an agreement in progress aims to significantly increase the number of Indian travelers to Moscow. "Moscow continues to attract a growing number of visitors from India," he said.
In the first half of 2024, the number of Indian visitors reached 28,500, reflecting a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. In 2023, India was recognized as a leading country for travelers coming to Moscow from outside the CIS, with over 60,000 Indian tourists visiting throughout the year—a 26% rise from 2022. Kozlov noted that most Indian travelers come for business and work-related purposes.
The introduction of e-visas for Indian nationals in August of last year has made travel easier, with approximately 9,500 electronic visas issued, making up 6% of all e-visas granted to foreign visitors to Russia. As of January 2024, around 1,700 e-visas were issued to Indian tourists.
Kozlov emphasized that Moscow's charm lies in its vibrant year-round festivals, exhibitions, and conferences, establishing the city as a major hub for event and business tourism. He also mentioned 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, further enhancing its appeal as a destination for international tourists.
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