In a significant step toward facilitating travel and strengthening tourism and economic relations between the two countries, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation came into effect on May 11, 2026. The agreement allows eligible citizens of both countries to travel without obtaining a visa in advance for visits covered under its provisions.
This agreement represents an important development for Saudi travelers wishing to visit Russia for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. Likewise, Russian citizens can benefit from the same visa-free arrangements when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
What Does Visa-Free Travel Mean for Saudi Citizens?
Under the agreement, Saudi citizens holding ordinary, special, or diplomatic passports can enter Russia without applying for a visitor visa in advance. The same arrangement applies to eligible Russian passport holders traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Notably, Russia is the first country with which Saudi Arabia has concluded a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of ordinary passports, giving the agreement additional significance in the development of bilateral relations.
How Long Can Travelers Stay?
The agreement allows citizens of both countries to stay for up to 90 days within a single calendar year, whether in one continuous visit or across multiple separate trips.
For example, a Saudi traveler may visit Russia more than once during the year, provided that the total number of days spent in the country does not exceed the permitted limit under the agreement.
This flexibility provides travelers with greater freedom when planning holidays, short business trips, or visits to family and friends.
What Types of Travel Are Covered?
Visa exemption does not mean that travelers can enter for any purpose without restrictions. The agreement specifies the types of visits eligible for visa-free entry, including:
- Tourism
- Business and commercial visits
- Visiting family members and friends
However, travel for employment, study, or long-term residence is not covered by the exemption and requires the appropriate visa before departure. The exemption also does not apply to travel to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Hajj, for which the relevant visa and official procedures remain mandatory.
Does Visa Exemption Mean a Passport Is All You Need?
It is important to distinguish between being exempt from obtaining a visa and being exempt from other entry requirements.
The agreement removes the need to obtain a visa in advance for eligible visits, but it does not eliminate other immigration, border control, or travel requirements that may apply.
Travelers are therefore advised to check their passport validity, flight and accommodation reservations, and any additional documents or entry requirements before departure. Travel regulations can change, so checking the latest official requirements before every trip remains essential.
A New Opportunity to Discover Russia
For Saudi tourists, the agreement makes planning a trip to Russia significantly easier and more flexible.
From Moscow, with its iconic Red Square, the Kremlin, historic landmarks, shopping destinations, and vibrant city life, to St. Petersburg, famous for its magnificent palaces, museums, architecture, and picturesque canals, Russia offers a diverse range of travel experiences combining history, culture, nature, entertainment, and shopping.
Easier entry procedures may also encourage travelers to make shorter or more frequent visits and explore Russia during its different tourism seasons throughout the year.
Strengthening Saudi-Russian Relations
The importance of the agreement extends beyond tourism. Its implementation coincides with the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
The visa exemption is expected to encourage greater travel between Saudi Arabia and Russia while supporting stronger tourism, business, cultural, and economic ties.
In summary: Since May 11, 2026, Saudi and Russian citizens have been able to benefit from mutual visa-free travel for eligible visits, with stays of up to 90 days per calendar year.
For Saudi travelers, visiting Russia has become considerably easier in terms of visa procedures. However, it remains important to check the latest entry and travel requirements before departure to ensure a smooth journey and avoid any unexpected issues.