Russia and Saudi Arabia set to scrap visas for each other

The Russian government has approved a draft deal with Saudi Arabia to waive visas for mutual visits of up to 90 days a year.

The document, published on Russia's official legal information portal on Thursday, says the agreement will take effect 60 days after it is signed and ratified by both sides.

If adopted, Russians and Saudis will be able to enter each other’s country and remain for a combined total of no more than three months per calendar year.

Travel for the purpose of employment, study, or permanent residence would require separate permits. The visa waiver would also not apply to Russian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Russian travel industry representatives say the move could significantly boost tourism and help broaden ties between the two countries. Intourist press service head Darya Domostroyeva told RBK that the tour firm expects the measure to boost tourist flows and support growing business and cultural contacts.

According to VCP Travel CEO Mikhail Abasov, travel to Russia by Saudi citizens has surged in recent years. He said nearly 10,000 Saudis visited Russia in the first quarter of 2025, up 66% year-on-year. The surge has pushed Saudi Arabia into top three countries responsible for tourism to Russia, behind only China and Türkiye.

Direct flights have expanded as well. Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas launched regular Riyadh-Moscow service on August 1, and the national airline Saudia began nonstop flights on October 10.

The list of visa-free destinations for Russians has continued to grow in 2025. China launched a one-year trial in September allowing Russian passport holders to enter for up to 30 days, while Moscow has rolled out or expanded mutual waivers with Oman and Jordan, extended a similar regime with Myanmar, and is in talks with Kuwait and Bahrain. Industry analysts expect the visa-free map to expand further.