Russia & KSA Move forward with Visa-Free Travel Agreement

The Russian government has endorsed a draft agreement that would establish mutual visa-free travel between Russia and Saudi Arabia. 

According to the official government portal, the approval authorises the Foreign Ministry to launch formal negotiations with Saudi counterparts and to make any necessary technical revisions during the discussion process, TV BRICS reported, citing the Russian government.

Under the proposed arrangement, the visa-free system would come into effect 60 days after both countries exchange official notes confirming their readiness to put the agreement into force. 

The measure is expected to make travel easier for citizens on both sides and to deepen bilateral ties.

Officials say the initiative represents an important move toward broadening cultural, economic and humanitarian interaction. 

Although Russians can already obtain e-visas or visas on arrival, completely removing fees and application requirements is viewed as a significant boost to cross-border mobility.

Travel between the two nations has already grown substantially. In the first quarter of 2025, Russia saw a marked rise in visitors from Saudi Arabia, making the kingdom one of the leading sources of incoming tourists.

Air connections are also strengthening, with Saudi airlines increasing flight frequencies and launching new routes to major Russian destinations. These trends, together with the anticipated visa-free regime, are expected to further enhance cooperation across a range of sectors.