Jordan and Russia Sign Groundbreaking Visa-Free Travel Deal Empowering Tourists with Thirty Day Stays and Unleashing Massive Growth in Red Sea and Heritage Tourism

Published on June 15, 2025

Jordan and Russia have officially sealed a landmark visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of both nations to stay up to 30 days per visit, igniting a new era of seamless tourism exchange. This breakthrough deal is expected to unlock massive growth in Jordan’s tourism sector, particularly around its world-renowned Red Sea coast and historical treasures like Petra and Wadi Rum. By removing visa barriers, both countries aim to boost holiday bookings, enhance cultural ties, and attract high-spending travelers eager to explore rich heritage and coastal adventures with greater ease.

In a significant step toward enhancing tourism and bilateral relations, Jordan and Russia have officially signed a mutual visa-waiver agreement, enabling citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 30 days. This strategic move is expected to substantially boost tourist exchanges and promote deeper cultural, economic, and social ties.

The agreement, signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, was published on the Russian government’s official legal information portal, confirming the easing of travel restrictions between the two nations. The visa exemption applies to short-term tourism, granting citizens of both Jordan and Russia permission to stay up to 30 calendar days per trip, with a maximum total stay of 90 days per calendar year.

A New Era of Travel Convenience

Previously, Russian travelers heading to Jordan could receive a visa upon arrival at Jordan’s international airports, with a single-entry visa costing 40 Jordanian dinars (approximately USD $60). The visa was valid for up to one month. While this process was relatively convenient, it still involved fees and documentation at the airport, potentially discouraging spontaneous travel.

Now, with visa-free entry in effect, Russian tourists can bypass these requirements entirely, making the prospect of visiting Jordan—famous for its Red Sea resorts, Petra ruins, and desert landscapes—more attractive than ever. Similarly, Jordanians visiting Russia will also enjoy hassle-free entry for short stays, opening new opportunities for cultural and business exchanges.

Tourism Set to Surge

Historically, tourism has served as a key sector in both countries’ economies, and the new policy is expected to further stimulate tourism growth, especially in Jordan’s Red Sea region and Russia’s cultural hubs like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. As travel becomes simpler and more accessible, tour operators, airlines, and hospitality providers are preparing for a surge in demand, especially during the peak travel seasons.

Industry experts suggest that the removal of visa restrictions will not only encourage repeat visitors but also attract first-time travelers who previously hesitated due to bureaucratic hurdles or visa costs. With fewer entry barriers, package holidays, eco-tourism, heritage trips, and adventure travel are likely to see a sharp rise in bookings.

Economic and Diplomatic Significance

Beyond the realm of tourism, the visa-waiver agreement holds diplomatic and economic significance. It reflects the deepening cooperation and trust between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Russian Federation. As both countries aim to strengthen bilateral trade, cultural understanding, and political collaboration, this visa-free travel deal acts as a symbol of mutual goodwill.

In particular, Jordan, which has long positioned itself as a peaceful and stable destination in the Middle East, views this move as part of its broader strategy to revive tourism and diversify its sources of international visitors following the global downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instabilities.

Benefits for Red Sea and Cultural Tourism

Jordan’s Red Sea port city of Aqaba, known for its vibrant coral reefs and water sports, is likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the agreement. Russian tourists, who have long favored Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, may now explore Jordan’s coastal attractions as a viable alternative or addition.

Meanwhile, cultural and historical tourism to iconic sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and the Dead Sea is expected to experience heightened interest. The ease of entry is especially appealing for organized group tours and last-minute travelers looking for unique and enriching experiences.

Tourism Sector Prepares for a Boost

In response to the agreement, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines are already adjusting their offerings to cater to an anticipated influx of Russian tourists. Increased direct flights, Russian-speaking tour guides, and culturally sensitive hospitality services are being prioritized.

Russia’s outbound travel market is known for high spending per tourist, especially among middle and upper-middle-class travelers. Jordan’s tourism operators are hopeful that the average length of stay and expenditure per visitor will rise, bringing a much-needed boost to the sector.

Encouraging Regional Connectivity

The visa-free arrangement also opens doors for multi-destination travel across the Middle East. Russian travelers may now find it easier to include Jordan in broader regional itineraries alongside countries like Egypt, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia. For regional travel companies, this development presents new possibilities for cross-border tour packages and regional promotional campaigns.

Security and Compliance

Despite the enthusiasm, both governments have emphasized that the agreement includes safeguards to prevent abuse. The maximum 90-day stay per year rule ensures that the visa waiver is used for genuine tourism and not for circumventing immigration or labor laws. Border and immigration authorities in both countries are expected to coordinate closely to ensure smooth implementation.

Public Response and Outlook

Initial public reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive. Russian travel blogs, forums, and news outlets have welcomed the policy as a long-overdue step that simplifies access to one of the Middle East’s most captivating destinations. Likewise, Jordanian citizens, especially business professionals and students with interests in Russia, are optimistic about stronger people-to-people ties.

In the coming months, industry analysts will closely monitor tourism flows and economic indicators to assess the full impact of the visa-free agreement. However, early signs point to a promising uptick in bilateral tourism, increased airline seat capacity, and closer cultural bonds.

Conclusion

Jordan and Russia have signed a landmark visa-free travel deal allowing 30-day stays, set to boost tourism to Jordan’s Red Sea coast and iconic heritage sites like Petra.

The signing of a mutual visa-waiver agreement between Jordan and Russia marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening their relationship. By making travel more accessible, both nations stand to gain economically, culturally, and diplomatically. As borders open wider and red tape recedes, this deal lays the groundwork for a more connected, prosperous, and dynamic tourism future between the East and the West.