Saudi Arabia & Russia Sign Mutual 90-Day Visa-Free Entry Deal

Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement allowing visa-free entry for visits of up to 90 days for citizens of both countries. The agreement was on the sidelines of the Saudi–Russian Investment and Business Forum. The agreement covers all categories of passports - diplomatic, special and ordinary - and grants visa-free entry for visits including tourism, business and visits to relatives and friends. It permits stays of up to 90 days, whether taken consecutively or through multiple visits, within a single calendar year. The agreement does not apply to entry for work, study, residency or Hajj, which require obtaining the appropriate visa. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak signed the agreement in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who headed the Saudi delegation to the joint business forum. Officials described the agreement as a landmark step in bilateral relations, expected to boost reciprocal visits and strengthen cooperation in tourism, economic, and cultural sectors.