Exciting news for Indian travellers! Now visa free travel to Russia is about to become possible by spring 2025.
This means no more long visa processes and hassle. Just pack your bags, join a travel group, and get ready for an unforgettable experience you always wished for.
Explore in this blog what visa-free travel to Russia means and how Unipay Forex can help you with handling your currency exchange, Forex cards, and travel essentials if you’re planning to go.
Understanding the Visa-Free Travel To Russia Initiative
By spring 2025, Russia will introduce a visa-free regime for group travel. The proposed ‘group-free visa regime’ will let organised groups of Indian tourists enter Russia without applying for individual visas. This change will make visiting Russia easier, without the hassle of a visa.
The visa-free entry is expected to be granted under agreements between approved travel agencies from both countries.
This initiative is part of Russia’s effort to boost tourism and strengthen ties with India. The policy is likely to include specific conditions, such as pre-approved itineraries and designated entry points. Official details will be released once the agreement is finalised.
Benefits of Visa-Free Travel To Russia
- Simplified Travel Planning: There will be no need for lengthy visa applications, embassy visits, or waiting for approvals. Tour operators will manage all the formalities.
- Cost Savings: Eliminating visa fees reduces the overall cost of travel, making Russia a more affordable destination.
- Faster Entry Process: Travellers will be able to clear immigration quickly since visa formalities will be handled beforehand.
- Encourages Group Tourism: Perfect for families, corporate trips, and tour groups. More travellers can now explore Russia together without visa concerns.
- Boosts Indian-Russian Relations: Easier travel could encourage cultural exchanges, trade, and tourism between the two nations.
Visa-Free Travel To Russia: Get Ready!
Even without a visa, planning your trip well is essential. Consider these key points:
Currency Exchange
- Russia’s official currency is the Ruble (RUB).
- Indian Rupees are not widely accepted, so exchanging currency before departure is necessary.
- ATMs and card payments are common in major cities, but cash is essential for small businesses, taxis, and street vendors.
- Airports and hotels offer exchange services, but rates are often less favourable than authorised forex providers.
- Some Russian ATMs may charge withdrawal fees or have transaction limits. Hence, it is better to carry cash.
- If you are booking Foreign Travel Packages from India, check with your tour operator about foreign currency requirements.
- Many overseas tour packages cover multiple destinations, making a multi-currency Forex Card a smart choice.
Try This: Unipay Forex offers secure and transparent foreign currency exchange services with competitive rates and doorstep delivery options.
Forex Cards
- Carrying a Forex Card is safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
- Russian banks and businesses accept major Forex Cards, including Visa and Mastercard.
- Cards allow hassle-free transactions in Rubles without high conversion fees or ATM withdrawal charges.
- Prepaid Forex Cards protect against exchange rate fluctuations, helping you avoid unexpected expenses.
- If your trip extends beyond Russia, a multi-currency Forex Card is useful for destinations covered in international holiday packages.
- Some Foreign Travel Packages from India include a Forex Card for convenience, so check with your tour provider.
Try This: Unipay Forex offers you to buy Forex online with locked exchange rates, easy top-up options, and global acceptance.
Travel Insurance
- Medical costs abroad can be expensive, and hospitals may require upfront payments for treatment.
- Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and accidental injuries.
- Some policies include flight delays, trip cancellations, and baggage loss coverage, ensuring peace of mind.
- Russia may require proof of travel insurance at immigration, so carrying a printed copy is advisable.
- Adventure activities in Russia, like skiing in Sochi or hiking near Lake Baikal, may need special coverage.
- Many overseas tour packages include travel insurance, but it’s always good to check coverage details before purchasing.
Try This: Unipay Forex provides comprehensive travel insurance, offering custom plans for different needs.
International SIM Cards
- Staying connected is crucial for navigation, hotel bookings, and contacting family.
- Russian telecom providers require passport details for SIM card registration. This makes purchasing a SIM card in advance easier.
- Free public Wi-Fi is available in cities, but some networks may be unsecured or require Russian phone numbers for login.
- International roaming can be expensive, so a prepaid international SIM saves costs.
- If you are travelling on an international holiday package, check if an international SIM is included, or get one beforehand.
- Russian mobile networks, including MTS, Beeline, and MegaFon, provide good coverage in urban areas.
Try This: Unipay Forex provides versatile international SIM cards, ensuring seamless communication upon arrival.
Why Choose Unipay Forex for Your Travel Needs?
Unipay Forex ensures that your travel money, Forex Card, insurance, and connectivity are sorted before you take off, giving you a hassle-free experience, whether you are travelling solo or on a Foreign Travel Package from India.
- Transparent Exchange Rates: Get fair, market-based rates without hidden charges or extra conversion fees.
- Secure & RBI-Authorised Services: Your transactions are safe, reliable, and compliant with RBI guidelines.
- One-Stop Travel Solutions: Get reliable solutions for currency exchange, Forex cards, travel insurance, and SIM cards in one place.
- Perfect for International Holiday Packages: If you’re booking foreign travel packages from India, Unipay Forex ensures smooth transactions throughout your trip.
- Doorstep Delivery: Receive foreign currency and Forex cards at your doorstep, making travel planning easier.
- Competitive Forex Card Benefits: Enjoy low conversion charges, easy reload options, and global acceptance.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Get assistance anytime for Forex card issues, foreign currency exchange, or insurance claims.
- Hassle-Free Documentation: Minimum paperwork ensures quick processing for all Foreign Exchange services.
- Ideal for Overseas Tour Packages: Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, Unipay Forex makes foreign exchange services simple and reliable.
- International SIM Cards: Stay connected without expensive roaming charges in Russia and other destinations.
Final Thoughts
Visa-free travel to Russia will be a game-changer for Indian tourists. With fewer restrictions and reduced costs, more people will be able to explore Russia’s beauty and culture.
To ensure a hassle-free trip, Unipay Forex provides all the financial and travel solutions you need.
Plan your journey with confidence and enjoy a smooth, stress-free adventure in Russia!
