For Russian travelers looking for a new destination that blends ancient history, futuristic cities, and warm hospitality, Saudi Arabia is the place to be. Until recently, visiting the Kingdom was quite a challenge, but things have changed dramatically. With the launch of the Saudi Arabia eVisa, the doors are wide open, and Russian citizens are among those who can take advantage of this simplified entry process.
Gone are the days of complicated embassy appointments in Moscow. Now, you can secure your travel permit entirely online, whether you are planning a vacation in the Red Sea, a business trip to Riyadh, or a spiritual journey. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Russian citizens—from eligibility and costs to the application steps and essential travel advice.
Do Russian citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you hold a Russian passport, a visa is required to cross the Saudi border. However, the process is no longer a headache. Russia is included in the list of eligible countries for the electronic visa (eVisa). This means you can skip the physical paperwork and get your travel authorization digitally. It links directly to your passport, making your arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport or King Khalid International Airport smooth and fast.
What activities are permitted with a Saudi eVisa for Russians?
The eVisa is surprisingly versatile, but it is strictly for short-term visits. It allows you to enter the Kingdom for:
- Tourism: Exploring heritage sites like AlUla, diving in the Red Sea, or shopping in Riyadh.
- Family Visits: Visiting relatives or friends currently residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Events: Attending concerts, festivals, or sporting events.
- Umrah: Performing the minor pilgrimage (excluding the Hajj season).
Important: This is not a work or study visa. You cannot take up paid employment or enroll in long-term academic courses with this document.
Saudi eVisa requirements for Russian passport holders
Before you start your application, let’s double-check that you meet the criteria. To be eligible, you simply need:
- A Valid Russian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply individually. Children under 18 must be included in a parent’s or guardian’s application.
- Travel Purpose: The visa covers tourism, leisure, and Umrah. It is not valid for employment or residency.
Saudi Arabia visa rules for Russian children
If you are traveling with your family, keep in mind that minors need visas too.
- Separate Visas: Every child, regardless of age (even infants), requires their own visa.
- Application: Children under 18 cannot apply for themselves. A parent or legal guardian must create the application on their behalf.
- Accompanied Travel: Minors must be accompanied by an adult when entering the country.
- Fees: Unfortunately, there are no price reductions for children; the fees remain the same as for adults.
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost for Russian citizens?
The cost is standardized for eligible nationalities, but it generally includes two main parts:
- The Government Fee: This goes to the Saudi authorities and includes the visa issuance fee plus the mandatory medical insurance.
- The Service Fee: If you use a visa processing service to handle the application (which helps avoid errors), they charge a fee for their support and verification.
Note: Saudi Arabia Visa fees are typically non-refundable. If you make a mistake on the form and get rejected, you won’t get your money back, so accuracy is crucial.
Processing time for Saudi eVisa from Russia
Whether you are planning months ahead or booking a last-minute trip, there is a processing speed for you:
- Standard Processing: Usually takes 1-2 business days. Perfect if you have time.
- Rush Processing: Delivers your visa in about 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush: For emergencies or spontaneous trips, you can get approved in as little as 1 hour.
Can Russian tourists perform Umrah on an eVisa?
Absolutely. This is a major benefit for Russian Muslims. The tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. You do not need a separate, specific Umrah visa anymore. However, please remember that this visa does not grant access to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Validity and stay rules for Saudi eVisa for Russians
The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa offers generous terms for travelers:
- Validity: The visa is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
- Duration of Stay: You are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days per visit.
- Entries: It is a multiple-entry visa. You can travel back and forth between Russia and Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within the validity year, provided no single stay exceeds 90 days.
Saudi Arabia transit visa for Russian travelers
If you are flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a layover in Saudi Arabia en route to another destination, you might be eligible for a Stopover/Transit Visa. This visa allows you to leave the airport and explore the country for up to 96 hours (4 days). It is ideal for a quick tour of Jeddah or a short Umrah. Often, the visa fee itself is waived if you book the ticket correctly, though you may still need to pay for insurance and administration.
Documents needed for Saudi eVisa application from Russia
You don’t need a mountain of paperwork. The system is designed to be paperless. Just have these items ready:
- Passport Scan: A high-quality, color scan of the biographical page of your passport.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo of yourself with a white background.
- Email Address: Ensure it is an email you check regularly, as your visa PDF will be sent there.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, etc.) to pay the fees online.
Applying for Saudi visa from Russia
The application is straightforward and can be completed from your home computer or smartphone.
Enter Your Details Fill in the form with your personal information exactly as it appears on your Russian passport. Watch out for spelling errors!
Upload Documents Upload the digital scan of your passport and your photo. Ensure the files meet the size requirements (usually under 100KB).
Complete Payment Pay the visa fees securely online.
Receive Your Visa Once approved, the eVisa is sent directly to your email. Print a copy to keep with your travel documents.
Why Does the Official Site Reject My Photo?”
“saudi evisa photo size 200×200 rejection” & “image size error ksavisa”
The #1 reason for frustration on the official site is the strict, unyielding photo requirement.
Photo requirements for Saudi visa for Russian applicants
A bad photo is the most common reason for delays. Follow these simple rules:
- Background: Must be plain white. No patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open looking at the camera.
- Format: JPG or JPEG format.
- Quality: Clear, sharp image with no blur.
Is health insurance mandatory for Russian visitors?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Saudi Arabia. The good news is that you don’t need to search for a policy yourself. The insurance is automatically included when you pay the government fee for your eVisa. The system assigns you a Saudi-approved insurance provider that covers emergency medical costs (including COVID-19 treatment) during your stay.
Common reasons for Saudi visa rejection for Russians
While rejections are rare for Russian citizens, they can happen due to:
- Data Mismatch: Entering a name that doesn’t match the passport machine-readable zone.
- Blurry Documents: Uploading a low-quality passport scan that is unreadable.
- Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity left.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
Generally, no. The tourist eVisa is strict about the 90-day limit per visit. You cannot extend it from within Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. If you wish to stay longer, you usually must exit the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa (like a residency permit) if you qualify.
Travel tips for Russian tourists in Saudi Arabia
- Dress Code: Saudi Arabia has relaxed its rules significantly. The abaya is not mandatory for foreign women, but modest dress is expected. Men should cover their knees, and women should cover shoulders and knees.
- Alcohol: Saudi Arabia is a “dry” country. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Do not attempt to bring any in your luggage, as it will be confiscated and could lead to legal trouble.
- Currency: The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Your international bank cards will work in most places, but carrying some cash is always a good idea for small purchases.
- Connectivity: You can easily buy a local SIM card (STC, Mobily, or Zain) at the airport upon arrival for fast and cheap internet access.
FAQ for Russian travelers to Saudi Arabia
Q: Can unmarried Russian couples share a hotel room?
A: Yes. Recent rule changes allow foreign tourists to share hotel rooms without providing a marriage certificate.
Q: Is it safe for Russian women to travel alone?
A: Yes, Saudi Arabia is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Crime rates are low, and the local culture emphasizes hospitality.
Q: Do I need a COVID-19 test to enter?
A: As of 2025, all COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted. However, it is always wise to check the latest travel advisories from the Russian Foreign Ministry before your trip.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Russia citizens is your key to unlocking the mysteries of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you want to dive into the Red Sea, explore the historic Al-Balad district, or simply experience a new culture, the process is now fast, secure, and digital. Whether you need your visa in 2 days or in just 1 hour via urgent processing, the system is ready for you. So, get your passport ready, apply online, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
Safe travels!
