Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a mutual visa-waiver agreement in Riyadh. (File Photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia, Russia sign mutual visa-waiver agreement
Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a mutual visa-waiver agreement in Riyadh on Monday, allowing citizens of both countries to enter visa-free for tourism, business and family visits, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum.
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Under the deal, holders of all types of passports – diplomatic, special/official, and ordinary – will be allowed visa-free entry for up to 90 days. The visa exemption, however, does not apply to visitors traveling for work, study, residency, or Hajj.
The move marks the first time Saudi Arabia has granted visa-exemption privileges to holders of regular passports from any country.
According to the SPA, the agreement aims to boost tourism flows, expand economic and cultural cooperation, and increase public engagement between the two countries.
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