Saudi Arabia & Russia Seal Historic Visa-Free Travel Deal Allowing 90-Day Stays

Saudi Arabia & Russia Sign Historic Visa-Free Travel Agreement for 90-Day Stays

In a landmark move set to transform travel and business ties, Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa-exemption agreement, granting citizens of both nations the right to visa-free travel for up to 90 days per year. The historic pact, formalized in Riyadh on December 1, 2025, marks a significant step in deepening bilateral relations and simplifying mobility for millions.

The Agreement in Detail: Who Can Travel and For How Long?

The agreement is comprehensive and inclusive:

• Passports Covered: Diplomatic, special, and ordinary passports.

• Purpose of Visit: Permitted activities include tourism, business meetings, and visiting family or friends.

• Duration: Travelers can stay for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, either in a single visit or multiple trips.

• Effective Date: The agreement is expected to come into full force in early 2026, following the completion of final legal formalities.

This marks the first time Saudi Arabia has extended such a visa-waiver to ordinary passport holders from any country, signaling a major policy shift towards global openness under its Vision 2030 strategy.

Strategic Significance: More Than Just Travel

The agreement, signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, is a powerful diplomatic symbol with far-reaching implications:

1. Deepening Strategic Partnership: It solidifies the Saudi-Russia relationship beyond their cooperation in the OPEC+ energy alliance, expanding into trade, culture, and people-to-people ties.

2. Saudi Arabia's Global Opening: This move is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to boost tourism and global integration. Facilitating easier access for Russian tourists (and vice-versa) directly supports its ambitious target of attracting 100 million annual visitors.

3. Russia's Geopolitical Pivot: For Russia, enhancing ties with a major Gulf economy provides an avenue to diversify its international partnerships and reduce isolation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the West.

What This Means for Travelers & Businesses

The practical benefits for citizens of both nations are substantial:

For Tourists:

• Saudis in Russia: Can now easily explore destinations from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Siberia.

• Russians in Saudi Arabia: Gain simplified access to Saudi’s burgeoning tourist attractions, including the futuristic NEOM, the historical AlUla, Red Sea resorts, and the capital Riyadh.

• Ease of Travel: Eliminates the time, cost, and paperwork associated with visa applications.

For Business & Trade:

• Entrepreneurs and investors can now travel spontaneously for meetings, site visits, and negotiations, fostering new joint ventures and trade deals.

• Easier mobility is expected to boost sectors like energy, technology, construction, and logistics where both nations have strong interests.

For Cultural & Family Ties:

• Families and friends separated by geography can reunite more easily.

• Facilitates greater academic, artistic, and cultural exchanges.

Important Limitations: What the Agreement Does NOT Cover

Travelers must note key exclusions. The visa waiver is strictly for short-term visits. It does NOT permit:

• Paid employment or work.

• Long-term study or academic programs.

• Permanent residence.

• Religious pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah visas are separate and remain required).

For these purposes, appropriate visas must still be obtained through standard channels.

The Road Ahead: Enhanced Connectivity

To support the expected surge in travel, both governments have indicated plans to increase direct flight connectivity between major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This will make the new visa-free access truly practical and convenient.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Unveils $1 Trillion U.S. Investment Strategy Focused on AI and Next-Gen Technology

A Milestone in Diplomatic Relations

This visa-waiver agreement is more than a travel policy update; it is a milestone in 21st-century diplomacy. It reflects a mutual commitment to building a multifaceted relationship based on direct human connection and economic synergy.

For the world, it underscores Saudi Arabia's rapid transformation into a globally engaged, tourist-friendly nation. For travelers, it opens up a new corridor of exploration and opportunity, making two vast and culturally rich countries more accessible than ever before.