Russia sees 570% surge in Saudi tourists after e-visa rollout

Dubai: Russia has witnessed an unprecedented spike in visitors from Saudi Arabia, with arrivals soaring by 570 per cent in just one year (2024), a surge attributed largely to the streamlined introduction of electronic visas.

Russian authorities confirmed that approximately 52,400 Saudi tourists visited the country in 2024, up sharply from just 9,300 the year before. In the first half of 2025 alone, Moscow welcomed more than 9,900 Saudi visitors, a 50 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The significant rise coincides with the August 2023 rollout of Russia’s e-visa system, which allows Saudi citizens to apply online without the need for embassy appointments or complex paperwork.

By mid-2025, Russia had issued more than 80,000 electronic visas to Saudi nationals, placing the Kingdom second only to China in total e-visas granted.

Russian tourism officials described the Saudi market as one of the most promising emerging segments. "Saudi tourists have strong spending power and growing interest in Russian culture and natural landscapes," a tourism board representative said, pointing to destinations like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi as top draws.

Direct flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Moscow have further boosted travel convenience, as have promotional efforts by Russian tourism agencies across Gulf travel expos.

In Riyadh, a travel agent noted that Russia has quickly become a preferred summer destination for Saudi families and younger travelers seeking fresh alternatives to traditional European spots. "Affordable pricing, scenic beauty, and milder summer temperatures all contribute to Russia's growing appeal," he said.

With momentum continuing into the second half of 2025, Russian tour operators are reportedly preparing custom packages tailored to Gulf travelers, including Arabic-language programs, cultural tours, and curated experiences designed for the Saudi market.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE