Saudi Arabia Opens Doors: Visa-Free Travel for Russians Begins in May

Starting May 11, 2026, Russian passport holders can visit Saudi Arabia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. The move, confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry, marks a major shift for the kingdom, which until recently was largely closed to tourists. Previously, visitors mainly came for religious pilgrimages, but in 2019 Riyadh began easing restrictions, introducing e-visas for many nationalities, including Russians. Now, with the visa requirement fully dropped, the kingdom expects a surge in Russian tourists, particularly to its Red Sea luxury resorts. Mohammed al-Jassem, deputy head of the consulting firm CIPBC, told RIA Novosti that the policy could draw travelers away from popular destinations like Egypt and the UAE. He also predicted more Saudis would visit Russia, noting growing interest in the country. But don't expect a budget getaway. A one-week package starts around $2,000, and a night in a five-star Red Sea hotel runs at least $400. For cheaper options, visitors can head to Riyadh or Jeddah, though these cities lag behind regional hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Manama in terms of tourist appeal. Saudi Arabia’s tourism ministry has set an ambitious goal: 150 million annual visitors by 2030, including both tourists and pilgrims. Whether this visa-free policy helps hit that target remains to be seen, but for now, Russian travelers have a new—and pricey—option on the map.