Russia Joins Saudi Arabia in Historic Visa Exemption Agreement, Paving the Way for Seamless Travel Between Two Nations

Published on December 3, 2025

Russia has joined Saudi Arabia in a historic visa exemption agreement that will allow citizens of both nations to travel freely between the two countries without the need for a visa. Signed on December 1, 2025, during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, this landmark deal is set to boost tourism, strengthen business ties, and foster deeper cultural exchange between the two nations. By enabling up to 90 days of visa-free travel per year for citizens from both countries, this agreement marks a new chapter in their bilateral relationship and opens the doors to greater international cooperation.

In a historic move set to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties, Saudi Arabia and Russia have formalized a ground-breaking visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens from both countries to travel without the need for a visa. The agreement, signed on December 1, 2025, during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. It also serves as a powerful symbol of growing cooperation in tourism, trade, and mutual prosperity.

A Landmark Signing: The Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum

The monumental agreement was signed by two key figures in international diplomacy: His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Alexander Novak, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The historic ceremony took place at the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum, a platform designed to explore and enhance collaboration between the two countries across various sectors, including energy, investment, and tourism.

Inaugurating the forum was His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, who also leads the Saudi side in the Joint Saudi–Russian Committee. His presence underscored the high level of commitment both nations have to advancing their bilateral relationship.

The deal itself is nothing short of revolutionary, particularly as it marks Saudi Arabia’s first-ever mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders with any nation. This strategic agreement will undoubtedly unlock a world of travel opportunities for Russian and Saudi citizens, giving them access to each other’s countries for tourism, business, and family visits without the hassle of applying for a visa.

Key Features of the Saudi-Russian Visa Exemption Agreement

The newly signed visa exemption agreement comes with several key provisions designed to make travel between Russia and Saudi Arabia more convenient and accessible for their citizens. Here are the core details:

1. All Passport Categories Covered
   The agreement applies to all types of passports, including diplomatic, special, and regular passports. This wide coverage ensures that citizens from various sectors, including government officials, business travelers, and ordinary citizens, can enjoy visa-free entry into both countries.
2. 90-Day Visa-Free Stays
   Citizens of both nations can stay in each other’s countries for up to 90 days within a calendar year. This provision applies whether the 90 days are spent consecutively or across multiple visits, offering travelers flexibility in planning their trips. Whether for tourism, business, or visiting relatives and friends, the ability to move freely will facilitate deeper cultural exchanges and greater business opportunities.
3. Excludes Work, Study, and Residency
   While the agreement paves the way for hassle-free tourism, business, and family visits, it is important to note that work, study, and residency visas remain outside the scope of this agreement. Individuals seeking to work, study, or settle in either country will still need to apply for the appropriate visas.
4. Visa-Free Transit
   Another major highlight of the deal is its provision for visa-free transit. Citizens of Saudi Arabia and Russia can transit through each other’s airports without the need for a visa, making the agreement especially valuable for those who are en route to other international destinations. This provision is expected to significantly boost international travel and lay the foundation for better connectivity between the two countries.
5. Implementation Timeline
   The agreement, while signed on December 1, 2025, still requires legal procedures, including the exchange of diplomatic notes, before it can be fully activated. The agreement is expected to come into effect in early 2026, with both governments working closely to finalize the necessary administrative processes. Once in place, it will open up a world of new opportunities for both Russian and Saudi travelers.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Visa Exemption

The signing of the Saudi-Russian visa exemption agreement comes at a time when both countries are eager to deepen their economic and cultural ties. The move represents a significant shift in the way Saudi Arabia and Russia interact with each other and the world.

For Saudi Arabia, this agreement forms part of its broader strategy to position itself as a global travel hub. The country has made enormous strides in recent years to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil revenue. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to boost the tourism sector by attracting millions of international visitors annually. The new visa exemption agreement is a key component of this plan, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goal to facilitate travel and create stronger international partnerships.

Russia, on the other hand, has long been focused on expanding its global influence, both politically and economically. Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, a rising power in the Middle East, will open new avenues for Russian businesses and citizens alike. The move is expected to bolster Russia’s tourism sector, as more Saudi travelers are likely to visit the country to explore its rich cultural heritage, landscapes, and historical sites. Additionally, it will foster stronger trade relations, allowing businesses from both nations to collaborate more effectively.

What This Agreement Means for Tourism and Business

This historic deal holds tremendous promise for the tourism sectors of both Saudi Arabia and Russia. Visa-free travel between the two countries opens up exciting opportunities for people-to-people connections, tourism growth, and enhanced cultural exchange. Saudi citizens will have the chance to explore Russia’s world-class museums, architecture, and natural wonders, while Russian travelers will have easier access to Saudi Arabia’s sacred sites, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as its modern cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

Beyond tourism, the visa exemption agreement is expected to bolster business ties between the two nations. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s leading energy producers, while Russia is a major player in industries such as energy, defense, and aerospace. The enhanced travel freedom between these two economic powerhouses could lead to more business ventures, joint projects, and investments, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The business community in both countries is already showing keen interest in the agreement. Many companies and industry leaders view it as an opportunity to tap into each other’s markets and leverage the close economic cooperation now made easier by the new visa rules. From tourism and hospitality to technology and trade, both nations stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced mobility this agreement affords.

A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, the Saudi-Russian visa exemption agreement is just one of many steps toward further integration and collaboration between the two nations. As both countries continue to work closely together, the agreement is expected to serve as a catalyst for more initiatives aimed at strengthening the economic, cultural, and social bonds between them.

In the coming years, travelers from both Russia and Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly take advantage of this new era of easy access, enjoying a seamless travel experience between two nations with rich histories, diverse cultures, and growing international influence. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or family visits, the opportunities for exploration and connection are now greater than ever.

As early 2026 approaches and the agreement comes into effect, the global community will be watching closely to see how this historic deal unfolds and contributes to the broader geopolitical landscape.

Russia has joined Saudi Arabia in a groundbreaking visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens from both countries to travel freely between them. This historic deal aims to strengthen bilateral ties, boost tourism, and enhance business opportunities.

This visa exemption agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia is set to change the way citizens of both nations interact with each other and the world. It is not just a diplomatic victory, but a gateway to deeper economic, cultural, and social engagement that will have lasting effects for years to come.