Russia and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Last updated on 2 hours ago

Riyadh (Visas & Travels) – In a move that signals deepening diplomatic and economic ties, Russia and Saudi Arabia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, granting citizens of both nations visa-free access for tourism, business, and family visits. The historic pact, formalized on December 1, 2025, during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, allows stays of up to 90 days per calendar year—either consecutively or cumulatively—without the need for prior approval.

This agreement marks a pivotal moment: Saudi Arabia has, for the first time, extended such privileges to holders of ordinary passports from another country, moving beyond exemptions typically reserved for diplomatic or official travel. Previously, Saudi nationals could enter Russia via e-visa, while Russians were eligible for a $150 visa-on-arrival in Saudi Arabia. The new regime eliminates these barriers entirely for short-term visits.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Eligibility: Applies to all passport types (diplomatic, official, and ordinary) for citizens of Russia and Saudi Arabia.
• Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with a maximum of 90 days total per year.
• Permitted Purposes: Tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Exclusions include employment, study, permanent residency, or Hajj pilgrimage, which require dedicated visas.
• Implementation Timeline: Following ratification and exchange of diplomatic notes, the visa-free regime is expected to take effect in early 2026, potentially as soon as January.

The deal was inked by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, underscoring the growing partnership between the two OPEC+ heavyweights.

Implications for Travelers and Tourism

This agreement arrives amid surging travel interest between the nations. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, nearly 10,000 Saudis visited Russia—a 66% year-over-year increase—propelling the Kingdom into Russia’s top three inbound tourism markets, behind only China and Türkiye. Russian arrivals to Saudi Arabia have also risen steadily, driven by cultural curiosity and business opportunities in energy and investment.

For tourists, the waiver opens doors to seamless exploration: Russians can more easily access Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts, AlUla’s ancient ruins, and Riyadh’s modern skyline, while Saudis gain frictionless entry to Moscow’s historic sites, St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, and the vast Siberian landscapes. Airlines are already responding—Saudia and Flynas have announced expanded direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow, with frequencies increasing to four times weekly starting in the new year.

Business travelers stand to benefit most immediately, as the pact facilitates quicker deal-making in sectors like energy, technology, and infrastructure. The forum where the agreement was signed highlighted $10 billion in potential joint ventures, with tourism positioned as a key growth driver. Experts predict a 30–50% uptick in bilateral visits within the first year, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 150 million tourists annually and Russia’s push to diversify beyond Europe amid geopolitical shifts.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The timing reflects strategic balancing: Saudi Arabia, fresh from a high-profile U.S. visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirms its role as a global connector, while Russia—facing Western sanctions—strengthens non-Western alliances. As Novak noted in a post-signing interview, “This will make it possible to visit our countries visa-free at the beginning of next year,” emphasizing the practical boost to people-to-people exchanges.

For global travelers, this deal exemplifies the accelerating trend of bilateral visa waivers, following similar pacts like the EU’s Schengen expansions and Asia’s post-pandemic reopenings. It also highlights the Middle East’s emergence as a visa-policy innovator, with Saudi Arabia now leading in reciprocal access for everyday citizens.

What Travelers Should Know Now

While the agreement awaits final activation, proactive planning is key:

• Monitor official channels (Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi’s Visit Saudi portal) for exact start dates.
• Ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
• For non-qualifying purposes (e.g., work or Hajj), apply early via respective embassies.
• Consider travel insurance covering health and geopolitical risks in both destinations.

This agreement marks another meaningful step toward easier international travel, removing one more barrier in a rapidly connecting world.

Visas & Travels will continue to track implementation details and publish updates as soon as the exact entry-into-force date is confirmed.