Russia and Saudi Arabia Scrap Visas: What Has Changed for Tourists
The agreement on mutual visa abolition between Russia and Saudi Arabia came into force on May 11, 2026. Russians can now visit the kingdom more freely, although mass tourism flows are still restrained by organizational and political limitations, as well as tour operators’ caution, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.
New Entry Rules and Stay Restrictions
The intergovernmental agreement stipulates that citizens of Russia and Saudi Arabia holding any type of international passport may travel visa-free. Russians are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days per year.
The regime does not apply to several travel purposes. A visa is still required for Hajj and Umrah during the pilgrimage season, as well as for work, study, or long-term residence.
Tourist trips remain effectively limited due to the conflict in the Middle East. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has recommended that companies suspend tour sales and advised citizens to refrain from travel because of security risks.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia opened to mass international tourism only in 2019. Before that, foreigners could mainly enter the country on work visas or pilgrimage permits for visits to Mecca and Medina.
At present, the market for tourism offers aimed at Russian travelers is still in its formative stage. Valery Britaus, commercial director of the customized travel marketplace YouTravel.me, noted that interest in the country is growing from a low base. December 2025 marked the first noticeable surge in demand, accounting for half of all bookings over the previous 12 months, which may indicate the beginning of stable interest in the destination.
Britaus also said that over the past year, themed itineraries have emerged, including Ramadan trips and combined routes covering Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah. Premium tailor-made tours are also being offered. The average trip cost ranges from 130,000 to 780,000 rubles ($1,750–10,500) per person, positioning Saudi Arabia as a premium travel destination.
Demand Geography and Forecasts
Dmitry Arutyunov, CEO of travel company Art-Tour, noted that interest in Saudi Arabia is especially visible in Russian regions with large Muslim populations, including the North Caucasus and Tatarstan. Travelers from these regions tend to prefer combined itineraries, where visits to natural landmarks are paired with religious sites.
Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, said that the tourist flow from Saudi Arabia to Russia has been steadily growing.
In 2024, Russia welcomed 108,000 visitors from the kingdom, while in 2025 the number exceeded 140,000, marking a 33% increase. According to the ministry’s estimates, the visa-free regime could boost tourist flows by 30–50%, which would push the number of Saudi visitors to Russia above 200,000 by the end of 2026.
Where Russians Can Travel Visa-Free
The Ministry of Economic Development reminded that Russians can travel visa-free to 86 countries worldwide. Another 38 countries offer simplified entry procedures through electronic visas or visas on arrival.
According to RIA Novosti, popular destinations that Russians can visit without excessive bureaucracy include Brazil, Vietnam, China, the Maldives, Morocco, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and South Africa. Among countries with simplified entry procedures, analysts highlight Egypt, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Kenya, Mexico, Tanzania, and South Korea.
Within the post-Soviet region, Russians can travel freely to Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In Asia, visa-free travel is available to Mongolia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines. Sri Lanka requires an electronic travel authorization.
In Latin America, Russians can travel visa-free to Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Chile, and Ecuador, as well as several Caribbean island nations. In Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro continue to maintain visa-free regimes for Russian citizens.
What Tourists Need to Know
Most countries require Russian travelers to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of their trip. Depending on the destination, tourists may also be asked to provide a return ticket, hotel booking, or proof of sufficient funds. For countries with simplified entry procedures, electronic visas must be obtained in advance, while visas on arrival are issued at airports or border checkpoints.
Some destinations remain formally accessible, though travel there is restricted by recommendations from Russian authorities. Following the escalation in the Middle East, Russia’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens to avoid tourist trips to several countries in the region until the situation stabilizes. Subsequently, the Ministry of Economic Development recommended that tour operators and travel agencies temporarily suspend tour sales to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. A similar recommendation remains in place for Cuba due to the fuel-related state of emergency.
Conclusion
Analysts at International Investment note that not all countries with which Russia is expanding visa-free arrangements rank among the most popular travel destinations for Russians. The growing number of agreements partly compensates for restrictions affecting other routes and the narrowing range of international travel options.
At the same time, neighboring countries remain the most attractive destinations in terms of logistics, affordability, and the richness of natural and historical attractions. Georgia stands out among them: demand from Russian travelers tripled in 2026. Experts attribute this to convenient transport links, relatively low costs, a wide range of natural and historical sites, and a mild climate. The country remains attractive year-round, with the Black Sea coast drawing visitors in summer, ski resorts in winter, and cultural and gastronomic tourism popular in spring and autumn.