403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Russia, Saudi Arabia Forge 90-Day Visa-Free Travel Accord
(MENAFN) Russia's government has greenlit a preliminary accord with Saudi Arabia eliminating visa requirements for visits lasting up to 90 days annually.
The proposal, made public Thursday on Russia's official legal information website, stipulates the pact becomes operational 60 days following signature and ratification by both nations.
Once implemented, Russian and Saudi nationals may enter the respective countries and stay for a cumulative maximum of three months within each calendar year.
Employment, academic enrollment, or permanent relocation would necessitate separate authorization. The visa exemption excludes Russian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Russian tourism sector officials indicate the development could substantially increase visitor numbers and strengthen bilateral connections. Darya Domostroyeva, press service director at Intourist, informed RBK that the tour operator anticipates the policy will elevate tourist traffic and reinforce expanding business and cultural exchanges.
Mikhail Abasov, CEO of VCP Travel, noted that Saudi visitor arrivals to Russia have skyrocketed recently. He reported nearly 10,000 Saudis traveled to Russia during the first quarter of 2025, representing a 66% year-over-year increase. This surge has positioned Saudi Arabia among the top three sources of tourism to Russia, trailing only China and Türkiye.
Direct aviation links have proliferated simultaneously. Saudi budget carrier Flynas initiated regular Riyadh-Moscow operations on August 1, while national flag carrier Saudia commenced nonstop service on October 10.
Russia's roster of visa-exempt destinations has steadily expanded throughout 2025. China introduced a one-year pilot program in September permitting Russian passport holders to visit for up to 30 days, while Moscow has established or enhanced reciprocal waivers with Oman and Jordan, prolonged a comparable arrangement with Myanmar, and maintains discussions with Kuwait and Bahrain. Industry observers anticipate further expansion of the visa-free network.
The proposal, made public Thursday on Russia's official legal information website, stipulates the pact becomes operational 60 days following signature and ratification by both nations.
Once implemented, Russian and Saudi nationals may enter the respective countries and stay for a cumulative maximum of three months within each calendar year.
Employment, academic enrollment, or permanent relocation would necessitate separate authorization. The visa exemption excludes Russian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Russian tourism sector officials indicate the development could substantially increase visitor numbers and strengthen bilateral connections. Darya Domostroyeva, press service director at Intourist, informed RBK that the tour operator anticipates the policy will elevate tourist traffic and reinforce expanding business and cultural exchanges.
Mikhail Abasov, CEO of VCP Travel, noted that Saudi visitor arrivals to Russia have skyrocketed recently. He reported nearly 10,000 Saudis traveled to Russia during the first quarter of 2025, representing a 66% year-over-year increase. This surge has positioned Saudi Arabia among the top three sources of tourism to Russia, trailing only China and Türkiye.
Direct aviation links have proliferated simultaneously. Saudi budget carrier Flynas initiated regular Riyadh-Moscow operations on August 1, while national flag carrier Saudia commenced nonstop service on October 10.
Russia's roster of visa-exempt destinations has steadily expanded throughout 2025. China introduced a one-year pilot program in September permitting Russian passport holders to visit for up to 30 days, while Moscow has established or enhanced reciprocal waivers with Oman and Jordan, prolonged a comparable arrangement with Myanmar, and maintains discussions with Kuwait and Bahrain. Industry observers anticipate further expansion of the visa-free network.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Most popular stories
Market Research
More Story
Comments
No comment