A draft agreement outlines that citizens from Russia and Saudi Arabia will be permitted to travel to each other’s country without a visa for up to 90 days per year.
The Russian government has formally approved a draft agreement with Saudi Arabia that would abolish visa requirements for reciprocal visits lasting up to 90 days annually.
According to the document, which was made public on Russia’s official legal information portal on Thursday, the agreement is slated to come into force 60 days following its signing and ratification by both nations.
Should it be adopted, both Russian and Saudi citizens will gain the ability to enter the other country and stay for a cumulative period not exceeding three months within a single calendar year.
However, travel undertaken for employment, academic pursuits, or permanent residency will still necessitate obtaining separate permits. Furthermore, the visa exemption will not extend to Russian nationals journeying to Saudi Arabia specifically for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Representatives from the Russian travel industry indicate that this initiative has the potential to substantially increase tourism and foster stronger relations between the two nations. Darya Domostroyeva, head of the Intourist press service, informed RBK that the tour operator anticipates this measure will stimulate tourist numbers and facilitate expanding business and cultural exchanges.
Mikhail Abasov, CEO of VCP Travel, reports a significant increase in travel to Russia by Saudi citizens in recent years. He stated that almost 10,000 Saudis visited Russia during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 66% rise compared to the previous year. This substantial growth has elevated Saudi Arabia to one of the top three source countries for tourism to Russia, trailing only China and Türkiye.
The expansion of direct flight routes has also been observed. Saudi low-cost airline Flynas commenced regular service between Riyadh and Moscow on August 1, followed by the national carrier Saudia initiating nonstop flights on October 10.
In 2025, the roster of visa-free destinations accessible to Russians has continued its expansion. China initiated a one-year trial program in September, permitting Russian passport holders to enter for up to 30 days. Concurrently, Moscow has either introduced or broadened mutual visa waivers with Oman and Jordan, prolonged an existing arrangement with Myanmar, and is currently engaged in discussions with Kuwait and Bahrain. Industry analysts anticipate further growth in the number of visa-free countries for Russian travelers.