Visa-free regime between Russia and Saudi Arabia has entered into force

The agreement on the abolition of visa requirements between Russia and Saudi Arabia entered into force on Monday, May 11, in connection with which Russian citizens will be able to make tourist trips to the kingdom without a visa.

It clarifies that the visa-free regime is valid on condition that Russians do not work, study or reside in the kingdom. Appropriate registration is still required for trips with such purposes. Also, a visa remains mandatory for Russian citizens who travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj or Umrah.

Similar conditions will apply to Saudi citizens when traveling to Russia.

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Anton Alikhanov, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, said on February 9 that the visa waiver agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia would become effective in mid-2026. He noted that the opening of direct flights between Moscow and Riyadh would contribute to the intensification of contacts between the two countries.

On December 1, 2025, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia was interested in cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of fuel and energy complex (fuel and energy complex) technologies, as well as in the development of "difficult" oil, partnership in the field of mineral exploration, hydro and thermal energy.