In a historic move aimed at strengthening ties and boosting travel between the two nations, Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement. The deal, formalized during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh on December 1, 2025, opens the doors for citizens of both countries to visit each other without the need for a visa, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
A historic signing in Riyadh
The agreement was signed by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum and was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Energy. Prince Abdulaziz also heads the Saudi side in the Joint Saudi–Russian Committee, underscoring the high-level commitment of both countries to deepen their bilateral relationship.
Key features of the agreement
The agreement offers visa free entry for citizens of both countries across all passport categories, diplomatic, special, and regular passports. Key details include:
- Purpose of Visits: Tourism, business, and visits to relatives or friends.
- Duration: Up to 90 days, either consecutively or spread across multiple visits, within a single calendar year.
- Exclusions: The exemption does not apply to those traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj, which require specific visas.
Significantly, Russia becomes the first country with which Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports, reflecting a major step in easing travel for ordinary citizens alongside government officials.
Implications for bilateral relations
Officials emphasized that the agreement is more than just a travel facilitation measure. Its benefits extend to multiple sectors, including:
- Tourism: Encouraging more reciprocal visits, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening people to people connections.
- Economic Cooperation: Simplifying business travel, facilitating joint ventures, and boosting investment opportunities.
- Cultural exchange: Enabling greater interaction in education, arts, and heritage initiatives.
By reducing entry barriers, both nations aim to enhance bilateral partnerships and expand cooperation across sectors critical to their strategic ties.
A milestone for Saudi Russian relations
This landmark deal signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and creating more opportunities for citizens to explore each other’s countries freely. For Russia, the agreement highlights its role as a key partner in the region and sets a precedent for similar future arrangements with other nations.The visa exemption pact is expected to increase travel flows, deepen economic collaboration, and foster cultural understanding, solidifying a framework for long-term cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
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