RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Russia have finalised a mutual visa-waiver agreement for their citizens to simplify travel procedures and encourage greater people-to-people contact.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
The development came on the sidelines of the Saudi–Russian Investment and Business Forum held in Riyadh on December 1, 2025.
The forum was opened by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Under the new arrangement, holders of all passport categories—diplomatic, special, and ordinary—will be eligible for visa-free entry. Travelers visiting for tourism, business, or to meet family and friends will be allowed stays of up to 90 days, whether consecutively or spread throughout the year.
The agreement reflects both nations’ efforts to simplify travel procedures and encourage greater people-to-people contact.
It is expected to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, enhance cultural exchange, and widen cooperation across multiple sectors. However, the exemption does not apply to those traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj, all of which will still require dedicated visa approvals.
Russia is the first country with which the Kingdom has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports.
