Image Credit : AFP
Saudi Arabia and Russia have formalised a mutual visa exemption agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. The announcement came during the Saudi–Russian Investment and Business Forum held in Riyadh, which brought together senior officials from both nations.
The agreement was signed by Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and head of the Saudi side of the joint committee.
The deal applies to all passport types, including diplomatic, special and ordinary. It grants citizens of both countries visa-free entry for tourism, business or family visits, with stays of up to 90 days allowed per calendar year, whether taken consecutively or across multiple trips.
This agreement highlights a key aspect of types of visas in Saudi Arabia, as it grants visa-free access for tourism, business, and family visits while other visa categories—such as work, study, residency, or Hajj—still require formal applications. By simplifying travel procedures for ordinary, diplomatic, and special passport holders, Saudi Arabia is making it easier for visitors to engage in short-term trips while maintaining the structured system for other visa types.
Officials said the exemption reflects a shared commitment to simplify travel procedures and boost reciprocal visits. It is expected to support growth in tourism, trade and cultural exchange, while also opening doors for wider economic cooperation.
The agreement does not extend to travel for work, study, residency or Hajj. For these purposes, appropriate visas will still be required.
Russia is now the first country with which Saudi Arabia has established a mutual visa exemption that includes ordinary passport holders, marking a milestone in the kingdom’s efforts to expand global connectivity.
