Saudi Arabia and Russia launch visa-free travel agreement

RIYADH, May 11 – A mutual visa exemption agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia entered into force on Sunday, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visas for tourism, business and personal visits, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and boosting cultural and economic exchange.

The agreement applies to holders of diplomatic, special and ordinary passports, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Russia becomes the first country with which Saudi Arabia has implemented a mutual visa exemption arrangement for holders of ordinary passports.

Under the agreement, Saudi and Russian citizens may stay visa-free for up to 90 days per visit, or for multiple periods within a calendar year. The exemption does not apply to work, study, residency or Hajj travel, which remain subject to existing visa regulations.

The implementation of the agreement coincides with the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, marking a milestone in ties between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have expanded cooperation in recent years across energy, tourism, investment and cultural sectors, while maintaining coordination on a range of regional and international issues.

Officials from both countries have previously highlighted tourism and people-to-people exchange as key areas for deeper cooperation under broader economic diversification and bilateral partnership efforts.

The visa-free arrangement is expected to support an increase in travel flows between the Kingdom and Russia, while creating additional opportunities for business engagement and cultural exchange.

SOURCE: SPA