Russia considers visa-free entry for Saudi citizens amid deepening ties with Riyadh

Dubai: Russia signaled a potential step forward in easing travel restrictions for Saudi citizens, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirming that Moscow is working toward waiving visa requirements for nationals of the Kingdom.

The announcement came during a joint press conference with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held in the Russian capital on Friday. Lavrov praised the strength of bilateral relations and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s balanced stance on the war in Ukraine.

“We appreciate the Kingdom’s responsible and principled approach to the Ukrainian crisis,” Lavrov said. He also commended Saudi Arabia's role in supporting regional stability, particularly its contributions to peace efforts in Yemen.

The talks in Moscow come as part of Prince Faisal’s official visit to Russia. Top among the Saudi minister’s priorities was the situation in Gaza. “Our immediate focus must be a permanent ceasefire,” Prince Faisal said, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s call for sustained international pressure to end hostilities and prevent further humanitarian disaster.

The foreign minister also emphasized the urgency of reviving diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program, calling on Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Lavrov, meanwhile, announced that Russia is looking forward to hosting Saudi Arabia at the first Russian Arab Summit, set to be held in October in Moscow. He also confirmed that the 8th ministerial meeting of the “Russia–GCC Strategic Dialogue” will convene in Sochi on September 11.

Russia welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as Guest of Honor, Lavrov noted, calling the move symbolic as 2025 marks 100 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations—a centennial milestone he described as “a testament to enduring friendship and strategic alignment.”