First visa-free pact with Russia opens up to 90-day travel for Saudi citizens
Expansion of flights and exchanges expected to strengthen bilateral ties
DUBAI – Russia and Saudi Arabia are set to introduce a visa-free travel agreement for their citizens starting May 11, 2026, marking a significant development in bilateral relations.
The agreement, signed on December 1, 2025, in Riyadh, removes visa requirements for short-term visits and is expected to facilitate easier movement for tourism and business purposes. It represents a step forward in strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Officials from both countries have highlighted that the move will simplify travel procedures while encouraging greater people-to-people exchange.
Travel terms
Under the agreement, citizens of both Russia and Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enter each other’s territories without a visa for up to 90 days within a one-year period. The exemption applies to all passport categories, including diplomatic, special and regular passports. Travellers can use the allowance either in a single visit or across multiple trips, provided the total does not exceed 90 days annually.
The arrangement is designed specifically for tourism, business visits, and family or social visits, with clear boundaries on its use.
Entry limits
Despite the expanded access, the agreement maintains strict exclusions. Individuals travelling for employment, academic study or permanent residence will still require the appropriate visa. Additionally, those intending to perform Hajj or Umrah, particularly during peak pilgrimage periods, must obtain a visa prior to travel. These provisions ensure regulated entry for longer-term or specialised purposes while easing short-term mobility.
The same conditions will apply to Saudi citizens travelling to Russia, reinforcing a reciprocal framework between the two countries.
Wider cooperation
The agreement was formalised during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, underscoring its economic importance. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noted that legal procedures will follow before the agreement takes full effect, with expectations that visa-free travel could begin early in the year following its announcement. He also indicated plans to expand direct flight connections between the two nations, further supporting increased travel flows.
In a notable milestone, the Russian Federation is the first country with which Saudi Arabia has signed a visa exemption agreement covering holders of regular passports, highlighting a significant shift in the Kingdom’s approach to international travel agreements. The development is expected to support tourism growth, encourage investment, and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, strengthening ties between Russia and Saudi Arabia.