Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation have officially signed an agreement to exempt each other's citizens from visa requirements. The document was signed by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum held in Riyadh. According to Kuwait News Agency, the visa waiver agreement covers all passport types-diplomatic, special, and regular. It allows for visa-free entry for tourism, business, or visiting relatives and friends, for up to 90 days, either consecutively or non-consecutively, within a year. This agreement highlights the commitment of both nations to simplify entry procedures, thereby increasing reciprocal visits and enhancing tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation. The agreement is set to strengthen various sectors and expand cooperation and partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, it is noteworthy that the exemption does not apply t o those traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj, as these purposes still require special visas. The Russian Federation is the first country with which Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
