Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Russia Citizens – How to Apply in 2026
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From the snowy domes of Red Square to the sun-drenched coral reefs of the Red Sea, the travel corridor between Russia and Saudi Arabia is becoming one of the most dynamic in the region. Under the Kingdom’s "Vision 2030" initiative, the Saudi Arabia visa for Russia passport holders has been fully digitized. For Russian citizens seeking a friendly, warm destination without complex bureaucratic hurdles, Saudi Arabia offers a seamless and welcoming entry process.
This guide explains how Russia citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa in 2026, including eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, and permitted activities.
Quick Overview for Russia Citizens:
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity: 1 Year (90 days per visit)
Application Method: 100% Online (No Embassy Visit)
Processing Time: 2–5 business days (Standard)
In 2026, the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf are closer than ever. Russian citizens can now apply for a Saudi e-visa from Russia entirely online. Whether you are planning a winter escape to Jeddah, a business trip to Riyadh, or a spiritual Umrah journey from Kazan or Grozny, this Saudi Arabia online visa for Russia citizens serves as your official entry authorization issued by the Kingdom.
At eviSAudi, we specialize in assisting travelers navigating complex travel landscapes. Our application checks follow the latest MOFA and Saudi Tourism Authority guidelines, ensuring Russian applicants receive accurate, up-to-date visa approvals without delays or rejections.
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Traveling from Russia to Saudi Arabia with an E-Tourist Visa (Flight Routes)
For travelers departing from Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), or Vnukovo (VKO), connectivity to Saudi Arabia is robust, utilizing friendly hubs and direct options:
Direct Flights (Aeroflot/Saudia): This is the most convenient option for holders of a Saudi tourist visa from Russia. Aeroflot and Saudia operate direct flights from Moscow to Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH), cutting travel time significantly.
Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): Istanbul is the primary global gateway for Russian travelers. Turkish Airlines offers frequent connections from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Sochi to all major Saudi cities.
Via Dubai or Sharjah (Flydubai/Air Arabia): These carriers offer extensive networks from various Russian regions (including Yekaterinburg, Samara, and Mineralnye Vody) to Saudi Arabia via the UAE, often at very competitive prices.
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Financial Insights: Russian Ruble (RUB) to Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Understanding the financial logistics is the most critical part of the trip for Russian citizens. While the currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR) (pegged to the USD), payment methods require special attention due to international banking restrictions.
Exchange Rate: As of 2026, the exchange rate fluctuates. Please check the latest RUB to SAR rate before departure.
Banking Advice (Crucial): Visa/Mastercard: Cards issued by Russian banks generally do not work inside Saudi Arabia. You must bring cash or a card issued by a non-Russian bank. UnionPay: Chinese UnionPay cards issued by some Russian banks are accepted at many ATMs and merchants in Saudi Arabia. Cash is King: It is highly recommended to travel with USD or EUR in cash to exchange for SAR at local exchange bureaus (Money Changers) in Jeddah or Riyadh airports.
Visa Payments: Our online portal processes fees in USD. To pay for the visa online, you may need a card issued outside of Russia or use a third-party payment facilitator if available.
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Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time for Russia Citizens
We offer a transparent, All-Inclusive fee structure specifically designed for the Saudi e-visa requirements for Russia citizens. Our fees cover the Government Visa Fee, Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our Professional Processing Service.
We provide two tailored options depending on your travel urgency:
Standard Processing ($185.00 USD): The ideal choice for travelers with planned itineraries. This service ensures your visa is processed and issued within 2–5 business days.
Express Priority Service ($250.00 USD): Designed for urgent travel needs or last-minute business trips. We fast-track your Saudi Arabia online visa Russia application directly to the Ministry via our Urgent Express Visa service. Approvals are typically granted within 12–24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa from Russia
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa from Russia is a straightforward digital process. Russian citizens are required to complete an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee securely. Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi e-visa is issued electronically and sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
Critical Note on Transliteration: It is vital to ensure that your name matches your passport exactly. The conversion from Cyrillic to Latin script can vary. You must enter your name exactly as it appears in the Latin characters in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the code lines at the bottom of your passport page.
Example: If your name is Александр, do not guess the spelling (Alexandr, Alexander, Aleksandr?). Look at the bottom of the passport page. If it says , you must type ALEKSANDR.
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Saudi Arabia E-Visa Requirements for Russia Passport Holders
To ensure a 100% approval rate and avoid rejection due to strict Ministry standards, Russian citizens must provide the following digital items:
Valid Passport: Your Russian passport (Zagranpasport) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into the Kingdom.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, clear, color photo with a white background. (Selfies or photos with filters are not accepted).
Travel Information: A confirmed hotel booking or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia is required to complete the Saudi e-visa Russia form.
Email Address: A valid email to receive the PDF visa file.
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What Can Russia Citizens Do with a Saudi E-Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa for Russia citizens allows travel for tourism, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah. It is a flexible document designed for modern travelers. However, please note that employment, long-term study, or permanent residency purposes are strictly prohibited under this visa category. Hajj pilgrimage requires a separate, specific visa.
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FAQ: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Russia Citizens
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Can Russia citizens apply for a Saudi e-visa online in 2026?
Yes. Russia is listed as a "Group A" eligible country. This means Russian citizens can complete the entire process online through our portal without visiting the Saudi embassy in Moscow. The Saudi Arabia visa for Russia passport holders is delivered as a PDF via email.
Do Russia citizens need a return ticket for a Saudi e-visa?
A return or onward ticket is recommended but not mandatory at the application stage. However, Saudi border officials may request proof of onward travel upon arrival, so having a return flight itinerary is strongly advised for smooth entry.
How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for Russia citizens?
The E-Tourist Visa is valid for 1 full year (365 days) from the date of issuance. It is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning you can fly from Moscow to Jeddah as many times as you like. However, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi e-visa Russia?
Yes, it is a requirement by Saudi Law. However, you do not need to buy it separately. We include the mandatory medical insurance recognized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) automatically in your $185 or $250 application fee.