Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for citizens of both countries. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum, held in Riyadh on December 01, 2025. The forum was inaugurated by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak. This agreement covers all types of passports-diplomatic, special, and regular-and allows visa-free entry for visitors traveling for tourism, business, or to visit relatives and friends for up to 90 consecutive or nonconsecutive days within a year.

The agreement highlights the commitment of both countries to facilitate entry procedures for their citizens, which is expected to increase reciprocal visits and bolster tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation. This initiative is also anticipated to strengthen various sectors and broaden cooperation and partnerships between the two nations. It is important to note that the exemption does not apply to individuals traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj, as these activities require special visas.

Notably, the Russian Federation is the first country with which Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports.