Saudi Arabia and Russia: Mutual visa exemption agreement
In a significant step reflecting the depth of their growing strategic partnership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation signed a landmark agreement for the mutual exemption of entry visas for citizens of both countries. The signing ceremony took place in Riyadh, on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum, marking the beginning of a new phase of open bilateral cooperation.
Signing ceremony and official attendance
The agreement was signed in the presence of high-level diplomatic and economic figures, with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signing on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister, signing on behalf of the Russian Federation. The event was also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, who heads the Saudi side of the Joint Committee, reflecting the utmost importance that both leaderships attach to strengthening cooperation in various fields, particularly energy and the economy.
Agreement details and terms of stay
This agreement is unprecedented, as Russia is the first country with which the Kingdom has signed a visa exemption agreement covering holders of ordinary passports, as well as diplomatic and special passports. The agreement allows Saudi and Russian citizens to enter without a prior visa for tourism, family visits, and business purposes, with the possibility of staying for up to 90 days in a single year, whether continuously or in separate periods.
Exceptions and regulatory controls
Despite the considerable flexibility offered by the agreement, it established clear regulatory frameworks; the exemption does not apply to those wishing to work, study, or obtain permanent residency in either country. Those coming to perform Hajj are also excluded from this exemption and are subject to the procedures and visas specific to this purpose, in accordance with applicable Saudi regulations.
The context of Vision 2030 and its economic dimensions
This move is perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's sources of income and open its doors to the world. From a tourism perspective, this decision is expected to attract a wide range of Russian tourists to explore the Kingdom's heritage and natural destinations, such as Al-Ula and the Red Sea Project, especially since Russian tourists often seek warm and culturally enriching destinations.
Strengthening strategic and investment partnerships
The agreement's significance extends beyond tourism to benefit the business sector. Visa abolition will remove bureaucratic obstacles for investors and businesspeople, facilitating the movement of trade delegations and boosting trade volume, which has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years thanks to ongoing coordination within the OPEC+ framework and joint economic committees. This rapprochement solidifies the Kingdom's position as a global logistics and investment hub and underscores its pivotal role in building bridges between East and West.
