Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or transit. This has been available since 2019 and is straightforward at major airports. Just make sure you meet the entry requirements before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa Apply online before travel | Apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The visa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. It's valid for 90 days, multiple entry, and you can use it for tourism and Umrah (excluding Hajj).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter from your host in Saudi Arabia. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and airlines sometimes check before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Russian passport holders have been eligible for visa on arrival since 2019. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the airport. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash or card.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Saudi Arabia. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any major Saudi airport — King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), or King Fahd (Dammam). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Look for the dedicated counter near immigration. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 480–535 SAR (about $130–$145 USD). Pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and that your name is spelled correctly before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker, your boarding pass, and any requested documents. You'll get an entry stamp and can collect your luggage.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Includes insurance; can be applied online.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per year
Validity1 year
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Includes insurance; allows multiple entries.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; multiple entry possible.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires job offer and contract. Allows long-term stay and residency.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies; university-sponsored
For international students enrolled in Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Premium Residency)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,000 USD) for permanent residency option
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Saudi Arabia. Offers long-term residency without sponsor. Requires significant investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Includes insurance fee; valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days total. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
Russian passport holders can transit through Saudi Arabia without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours. For longer layovers or exiting the airport, a transit visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they apply for a stopover visa online.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for other travellers during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern region (e.g., Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis not generally recommended for urban tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Road, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for western region visitors.
Practical information for RU travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The fee is approximately 480–535 Saudi Riyals (about $130–$145 USD). This includes the visa cost and mandatory health insurance. Pay by credit card or cash in SAR.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can stay up to 90 days total. It is not extendable.
Yes, all major international airports offer visa on arrival for Russian passport holders: Riyadh (King Khalid), Jeddah (King Abdulaziz), Dammam (King Fahd), and Medina (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz). Smaller airports may not have the facility — check before booking.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you must get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance.
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa online before travel. It costs about 535 SAR and is valid for one year with multiple entries (up to 90 days per stay). Processing takes a few days. This can save time at the airport.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration may also ask for travel insurance details. Keep everything in your hand luggage.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter on a new visa, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.