Visa-Free Travel Between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Riyadh: Enhancing Tourism and Trade Between Russia and Saudi Arabia, What It Means for Business

Published on December 1, 2025

Russia and Saudi Arabia are taking bold steps toward simplifying cross-border travel with a visa-free agreement that is set to strengthen ties between the two nations. This agreement, once finalized, will allow Russian and Saudi Arabian citizens to travel freely between the two countries, enhancing tourism, business exchanges, and cultural ties. The deal, now moving toward formalization, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic and economic relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia. This step is expected to open new avenues for tourism, as the two countries have seen a rise in travel between them in recent years. Moreover, it could also enhance aviation links, bringing greater connectivity and increasing tourism arrivals to both countries.

Key Developments in Russia-Saudi Arabia Relations

The draft visa-free agreement was approved by the Russian Government, signaling a future of simplified travel between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The agreement, which is expected to be enacted within 60 days after both nations exchange official notifications, paves the way for deeper engagement. The easing of visa restrictions is seen as a significant step for tourism and business relations, which have flourished in recent years. The arrangement will likely bolster tourism flows, strengthen aviation connections, and enhance economic cooperation.

The move toward visa-free travel is in line with growing bilateral relations, as both countries have worked to foster better ties through increased cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and diplomatic initiatives. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in inbound visitors from Russia, with the first quarter of 2025 seeing a noticeable increase in tourism arrivals. This rise has placed Saudi Arabia among the top sources of international visitors to Russia, a trend that is expected to continue with the new agreement.

Visa-Free Travel: A Boost for Tourism and Business

Visa-free travel is a game-changer for tourism between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Currently, citizens of both nations can obtain electronic visas or visas on arrival, which, while convenient, still require time-consuming processes. The new arrangement, however, will remove these hurdles, offering an easier and more direct route for citizens of both countries to explore each other’s landscapes, cultures, and business opportunities.

This simplified travel process is expected to have a profound impact on tourism between the two countries. Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in cultural tourism, coupled with Russia’s vast array of historical and natural attractions, offers immense potential for tourism growth. The visa-free regime will make it easier for tourists from Saudi Arabia to visit Russia’s iconic cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, while Russian tourists may be encouraged to explore the rich cultural heritage and heritage sites of Saudi Arabia, including Mecca, Medina, and the thriving modern attractions in Riyadh.

Enhanced Aviation Links Between Russia and Saudi Arabia

An integral aspect of the visa-free travel agreement is its potential to boost aviation links. Saudi Arabian carriers have already begun to increase flight frequencies and open new routes to major Russian cities, fostering better connectivity between the two nations. With the removal of visa requirements, it is expected that the demand for flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia will grow exponentially.

This growing connectivity is crucial for both businesses and tourists, providing more options for travel and helping to promote the tourism sector. As the aviation sector strengthens, so too does the potential for collaboration between both countries in terms of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

What Should Travelers Do?

For travelers from both Russia and Saudi Arabia, this new agreement brings a range of exciting opportunities. Here are some travel tips to make the most of this new travel regime:

• Check for Updates: While the visa-free regime is set to be implemented soon, it is important to check official government websites for any updates or changes to entry requirements before booking your travel.
• Explore New Destinations: With simplified travel, consider exploring lesser-known regions in both Russia and Saudi Arabia, including Kazakhstan or Al-Ula.
• Embrace Cultural Opportunities: Take advantage of the new travel options to experience the rich cultural heritage of both countries, such as Russian ballet or the Saudi Heritage Village.
• Plan Business Trips: For business professionals, the new visa-free regime opens doors for easier access to potential markets and collaborations in both countries. Be sure to network and attend local events.

Growing Economic Ties Beyond Tourism

The visa-free agreement is not just about tourism. Saudi Arabia and Russia have been increasingly collaborating in the energy sector, investment projects, and trade. The simplification of travel is likely to result in more efficient business exchanges, with corporate leaders now able to easily attend meetings, negotiate deals, and foster collaborations across industries. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its economy beyond oil, will benefit greatly from deeper ties with Russia, particularly in sectors like infrastructure development, technology, and tourism.

What’s Next for Russian-Saudi Ties?

The introduction of visa-free travel represents just one facet of the growing relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, both countries are likely to explore further ways to expand their diplomatic ties and economic cooperation, particularly in tourism, technology, and energy.

For Saudi Arabia, the deal serves as part of its broader strategy to position itself as a top tourism destination, offering a wide range of experiences for international travelers. Similarly, Russia is likely to gain from the expanded tourism flows, particularly in light of increasing international interest in Russian cultural tourism.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Travel Between Russia and Saudi Arabia

The potential for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Russia and Saudi Arabia is vast. With the visa-free regime set to enhance travel opportunities, both nations are poised to see a substantial increase in visitors, investments, and collaborations. As aviation routes expand, cultural ties deepen, and economic exchanges grow, the Russian-Saudi relationship will likely set a precedent for other countries looking to enhance their bilateral engagements. This new era of travel between Russia and Saudi Arabia promises a future of greater cooperation and mutual benefit.