Russia opened its gates; Visa-free travel for Chinese and Saudis

According to Mehr, the President of Russia ordered that Chinese nationals can travel to the country without a visa for 30 days for tourism, business and cultural events, an action that will continue until September 2026. At the same time, Russia and Saudi Arabia signed a visa waiver agreement, and the number of Saudi tourists in Russia is expected to double or triple by next summer.

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony of this agreement, a memorandum of understanding was also signed on ways of cooperation to deal with climate change.

In this regard, the Russian Tourism Industry Union predicted that the number of Saudi tourists in Russia will double or triple by the summer of next year with the cancellation of visas.

This agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Russian-Saudi trade forum in Riyadh with the participation of officials and businessmen of the two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree canceling the visas of Chinese tourists and businessmen for short-term trips to Russia.

According to this decree, which is effective from today, Chinese citizens can enter or pass through Russia without a visa and with a normal passport for a period of up to 30 days in order to carry out tourism, business trips and participate in scientific, cultural, political, economic and sports events. This action will be valid until September 14, 2026 (23 Shahrivar 1405).

In the text of the decree, it is emphasized that this facility is provided based on the principle of reciprocity. China had previously adopted a similar measure against Russian citizens, which continues until the same deadline.