A visa-free regime between Russia and Saudi Arabia

A visa-free regime between Russia and Saudi Arabia has come into effect starting from May 11, 2026. Citizens of Russia can enter Saudi Arabia and stay for up to 90 days per calendar year (continuously or in total), with the same rights granted to Saudi citizens visiting Russia. The visa-free regime does not apply to work, study, permanent residence, or religious pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah during the Hajj season, for which visas are still required. The agreement was signed in Riyadh on December 1, 2025. The news was published on Previously, Russians needed an electronic or regular visa on arrival.

In 2025, the number of trips by Saudi citizens to Russia increased by more than 35%, and trips by Russians to the kingdom rose by 42%. A visa-free regime will allow Russian tourists to save significantly on trips to Saudi Arabia. Previously, the right to visit the kingdom cost Russians around $100 per person, meaning a family of three would pay $300.

As the reminder to readers of RTD: as of April 2026, Russian citizens can visit 86 countries visa-free. Another 38 countries have simplified entry procedures (e-visa or visa on arrival). Additionally, Russia is actively working on introducing a visa-free regime with Malaysia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, which is expected to become available in the near future.