Russia Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi passport holders may obtain a Russian e-Visa online for a single-entry stay of up to 16 days. The fee is $40. Apply at the official Russian e-Visa portal at least 4 calendar days before intended arrival. Despite Saudi-Russia diplomatic ties through OPEC+, standard e-Visa procedures apply to Saudi nationals.
Saudi Arabia passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Russia.
Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru. Select Saudi Arabia as nationality. Complete the application form and upload a passport photo. Pay $40 via credit card. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. The e-Visa is issued as a PDF to print and present at immigration along with your passport. The e-Visa specifies the entry checkpoint; ensure you enter through a designated e-Visa crossing point.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter confirming lodging in Russia.
Payment Card
Credit or debit card for USD 40 e-Visa fee payment online at evisa.kdmid.ru.
Required at Entry
Russian e-Visa Approval
Printed confirmation of the approved e-Visa from evisa.kdmid.ru. Present at the border crossing.
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. The passport must match the e-Visa details exactly.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Russia within the 16-day authorized period.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia and Saudi Arabia maintain significant diplomatic and economic ties, particularly through OPEC+ oil production coordination. However, this relationship does not translate into visa-free access for Saudi nationals. Saudi passport holders must obtain a visa before arrival, and the e-Visa is the most convenient option for short tourism visits.
The Russian e-Visa permits a single entry for up to 16 days. It is valid for tourism, business, or humanitarian purposes and can be used at designated international airports, seaports, and some land border crossings. Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), Moscow Domodedovo (DMO), and St. Petersburg Pulkovo (LED) are all e-Visa eligible entry points.
Note: Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in 2022, international sanctions, and reduced air connectivity, many international airlines no longer fly to Russia. Check current flight availability and your government's travel advisory before booking.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Moscow (SVO/DME) direct flights are currently limited. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) is a common option, with approximately 8 to 10 hours total travel time. Emirates via Dubai and flydubai also connect Gulf airports to Moscow. St. Petersburg (LED) can be reached via Moscow or via Helsinki with a short train connection.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). Due to sanctions, major international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Russia as of 2022. Exchange USD or EUR for rubles on arrival. Keep cash in small denominations. UnionPay cards issued by some Gulf banks may work at certain Russian ATMs. Budget carefully as accessing funds remotely is difficult.
Practical Tips
Check the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisories for Russia before booking. Geopolitical conditions since 2022 affect flight options and travel insurance availability.
Flight connections: Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Russia were significantly reduced after 2022. Most connections now route through Istanbul, Dubai, or other hubs. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is currently one of the most reliable options.
Moscow highlights: The Kremlin, Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre, and Moscow Metro stations are major cultural attractions. St. Petersburg is considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities, with the Hermitage Museum and canals.
Currency: Russia uses the Ruble (RUB). Sanctions have complicated card payments; Mastercard and Visa do not process Russian bank transactions. Plan to carry cash (USD or EUR) for exchange in Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Saudi passport holders require a Russian e-Visa for tourism. Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru at least 4 calendar days before arrival. The fee is $40 and the maximum stay is 16 days per single entry.
How do I apply for a Russian e-Visa from Saudi Arabia?
Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru. Select Saudi Arabia as nationality, fill in your passport details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay $40 by credit card. The e-Visa is issued as a PDF within 4 calendar days. Print it and present with your passport at a designated Russian e-Visa entry point.
Can I extend my Russian e-Visa inside Russia?
No. The e-Visa is a single-entry document for exactly 16 days. It cannot be extended inside Russia. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a standard Russian tourist visa through the Russian Embassy before travel (requires a hotel voucher or tour operator invitation).
Are there direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Russia?
Direct Saudi Arabia-Russia flights have been significantly reduced since 2022. Saudi nationals currently need to connect via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (flydubai), or other hubs to reach Moscow or St. Petersburg. Check current schedules before booking.
What entry points in Russia accept the e-Visa?
The e-Visa is accepted at major international airports including Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), Moscow Domodedovo (DME), St. Petersburg Pulkovo (LED), and other designated crossing points. The entry point is specified on the e-Visa; you must enter through the point you designated when applying.
Should I check travel advisories before visiting Russia?
Yes. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues travel advisories for Russia given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the associated geopolitical situation. Review current advisories at mofa.gov.sa before booking. Ensure your travel insurance provides coverage for Russia.