Russia, Saudi Arabia Launch Visa-Free Travel From May 11

Russia and Saudi Arabia launched a visa-free travel regime on May 11, allowing stays of up to 90 days annually. Russia became only the fourth country granted such access by Riyadh after Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A picture taken on September 22, 2020 shows a Saudi national flag in the capital Riyadh. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian citizens can now travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa after a long-awaited bilateral agreement between Moscow and Riyadh officially came into force on Monday, May 11. Under the deal, Russians are allowed to stay in the kingdom for up to 90 days per calendar year without obtaining a visa in advance, RIA-Novosti reported. The same rules apply to Saudi citizens visiting Russia. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The agreement marks a significant diplomatic gesture from Riyadh, with Russia becoming only the fourth country granted such privileged access by Saudi Arabia after Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The visa waiver, however, excludes travel for work, study, or permanent residency. Russian citizens will also still need special visas for Islamic pilgrimages including Hajj and Umrah, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry. The agreement was signed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Dec. 1, 2025, amid rapidly expanding political and economic ties between Moscow and Gulf states. Until now, Russians were required to apply for either an electronic visa or a visa on arrival to enter the kingdom. According to estimates by Russian outlet RBC, holders of Russian passports can currently enter 79 countries without a visa . Forty-nine of those destinations offer stays of up to 90 days, including the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, and South Africa. Another 110 countries remain accessible to Russians through simplified entry procedures such as electronic visas or visas issued upon arrival. Other Topics of Interest Turning Point in Ukraine? Kyiv Seizes Initiative as Russia Falters on Battlefield For the first time since 2022, battlefield momentum appears to be shifting toward Ukraine, driven by drone warfare, counterattacks and deep strikes into Russia. Russian forces are losing ground, suffering heavy casualties and facing mounting logistics and air defense strain. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.