Saudi Arabia’s new visa-free regime with Russia will lift inbound interest from the Russian market but is unlikely to deliver mass tourism volumes given the kingdom’s premium price positioning, Russian outlet NSN reported on May 14, citing Tez Tour commercial director Voskan Arzumanov.
The visa waiver agreement between Moscow and Riyadh entered into force on May 11, allowing Russian citizens to travel to the kingdom without prior visa approval and stay for up to 90 days within a calendar year, either continuously or cumulatively. Saudi nationals receive reciprocal access to Russia under the same terms.
A two-person trip to Saudi Arabia with quality accommodation and flights currently averages between RUB350,000 and RUB450,000 ($4,375 to $5,625), Arzumanov said, placing the destination in the premium bracket alongside Oman and around 20% to 25% above the cost of a comparable trip to the United Arab Emirates.
“Saudi Arabia remains an individual and high-budget destination for the Russian market,” Arzumanov said. “Interest in the country has been growing in recent years. For our tourists, it is primarily a love of unusual holidays, premium service, excursion programmes, futuristic projects and event tourism. Mainly affluent travellers who have already visited Gulf countries, along with pilgrims during the Hajj, head there.”
The Tez Tour executive said visa liberalisation would broaden interest but ruled out near-term parity with Emirati tourism volumes. “It is too early to expect Saudi Arabia to compete with the UAE on mass tourism. By volume of demand among Russian tourists, it will be closer to Oman. It is important to note that visa-free travel does not apply during the Hajj season.”
Direct air links between Russia and Saudi Arabia are currently operated by Saudi carriers Flynas and Saudia, connecting Moscow with Riyadh and Jeddah. Saudia is expected to resume flights from early July following a temporary suspension earlier in 2026, with routes from Sochi under discussion.
Organised package tourism to Saudi Arabia remains restricted under recommendations issued by Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, with tour operator sales for the destination currently paused. Independent travel is permitted under the new visa regime.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar were earlier flagged by Onlinetours expert Olga Lisina as among the most in-demand destinations for Russian travellers in 2026, ahead of the visa announcement.
The Russian market has emerged as a strategic target for Gulf tourism boards seeking to diversify source markets beyond traditional European and Asian feeders. The UAE remains the dominant Gulf destination for Russian outbound travel, supported by direct connectivity, established product depth and a mature Russian-speaking service base.
The visa waiver opens a long-term funnel for premium and FIT operators selling Saudi Arabia into the Russian market, but with package sales currently paused and pricing 20-25% above UAE benchmarks, agents should position the kingdom as an experiential, second-Gulf-visit destination rather than a UAE alternative. Air connectivity is thin and the Hajj carve-out from the visa regime requires careful messaging for Muslim clients.