From May 11, citizens of Saudi Arabia and Russia will be able to travel between the two countries without a visa, marking a change in bilateral travel access.The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the visa exemption will come into effect as part of a broader agreement between the two countries aimed at easing travel and strengthening relations. The move follows the mutual visa exemption agreement signed during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh on December 1, 2025.Under the arrangement, citizens of both countries will be allowed visa-free entry for short-term visits. Travelers can stay for up to 90 days within a one-year period, either consecutively or during multiple visits.The exemption applies to travel for tourism, business and family visits, providing greater flexibility and encouraging closer people-to-people ties between the two countries.However, the ministry clarified that the visa-free policy does not extend to work, study, residence or travel for religious purposes such as Hajj. Persons traveling for these purposes will still need to obtain the appropriate visa in advance.The move is expected to simplify travel procedures while supporting broader cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia in tourism, trade and cultural exchanges.