Saudi Arabia and Russia Facilitate Easier Travel with Mutual Visa Exemption for Citizens, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 1, 2025

Saudi Arabia and Russia made history by signing an agreement granting visa-free access to each other’s countries. This agreement facilitates international travel to and from both countries. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister signed the agreement. The signing of the agreement is likely to affect the tourism, business, and cultural industries of both Russia and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, this agreement is the first of its kind to include all passport holders— including holders of diplomat, special, and ordinary passports— and to provide citizens from both countries ease of access across all accumulative passport holders.

A New Era for Saudi-Russian Relations

The signing of this agreement represents a milestone in Saudi-Russian relations. It was unveiled during the high-profile Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum, an event that was inaugurated by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Energy, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The forum was designed to strengthen the partnership between the two nations, focusing on expanding cooperation in the fields of energy, business, and trade.

The visa exemption is expected to have a profound impact on the two countries’ tourism industries, which will benefit from the enhanced ease of travel. It opens up new opportunities for both Saudi and Russian citizens to visit each other’s countries for a variety of purposes—whether for tourism, business, or personal reasons. This could lead to an increase in cultural exchanges, business collaborations, and mutual understanding between the two countries, all of which are critical for fostering long-term diplomatic ties.

Simplifying Travel for Tourists and Business Travelers

Under the new agreement, both Saudi and Russian citizens will be able to travel between the two countries for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends for up to 90 days within a year, without the need to obtain a visa. This visa-free entry extends to all types of passports, making it easier for diplomats, business travelers, and regular tourists to visit either country. The exemption allows for both consecutive and non-consecutive stays within the 90-day limit, adding flexibility for travelers who wish to explore, work, or connect with family across borders.

This move is especially significant for tourism. The ability to travel freely without a visa will encourage more Russian tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, a destination known for its rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and burgeoning tourism sector. Likewise, Saudi travelers will find it easier to visit Russia’s iconic landmarks, from the palaces of St. Petersburg to the majestic Kremlin in Moscow, further boosting cultural and tourism exchanges.

Boosting Economic and Cultural Cooperation

The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia not only benefits tourism but also plays a significant role in boosting economic and cultural cooperation. By easing travel restrictions, the two countries are fostering closer ties between their business communities, enabling smoother collaboration in sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure. The facilitation of business travel will also provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs and corporations from both countries to collaborate and invest in each other’s markets.

Furthermore, cultural exchanges will be enhanced, with citizens from both nations able to explore and experience each other’s unique cultures. Russia’s deep cultural roots, historical sites, and vibrant arts scene are now more accessible to Saudis, while Russians can experience the rich traditions and modern developments of Saudi Arabia, a country undergoing rapid transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative.

Key Exemptions: Work, Study, and Hajj

While the mutual visa exemption facilitates tourism and business travel, it does not extend to those traveling for work, study, residency, or the Hajj pilgrimage. Individuals seeking to work, study, or settle in either country will still need to apply for the appropriate visa, which will be subject to the usual immigration procedures. Additionally, the exemption does not cover Hajj travelers, who will need to obtain special visas through the Saudi government’s Hajj visa program.

Despite these exclusions, the agreement’s impact on tourism and business is expected to be substantial. The ease of travel for short visits will pave the way for increased people-to-people connections, making it simpler for individuals to explore new opportunities and experiences across borders.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties and Future Opportunities

The signing of this visa exemption agreement marks a significant step in the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Both countries have a shared interest in expanding their cooperation across various sectors, including energy, trade, and tourism. This agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to making travel and business interactions more efficient and accessible, contributing to the growth of their respective economies.

In the future, this agreement could open the door to more countries in the region seeking similar arrangements with Saudi Arabia and Russia. As both nations continue to focus on diversifying their economies and improving international relations, this visa exemption could serve as a model for other bilateral agreements that further enhance global connectivity.

The Future of Saudi-Russian Travel

The agreements of mutual visa forfeiture between Saudi Arabia and Russia will prove to be revolutionary for both parties. The accords will allow increased movement for business travel, tourism, and familial visitation. The agreements will lead to increased travel and trade, and facilitation of cultural interaction. The strengthening of bilateral relations will most certainly foster the advancement of tourism in both countries. This will be the most significant tourism industry advancement to date, and the ongoing agreements will continue to provide significant positive relations between the citizens of both countries, business operators. Versatile positive relations will continue to provide benefits for years to come.