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Travel to Russia from Saudi Arabia

Russia: the colourful domes of Moscow and Red Square, the palaces of Saint Petersburg along its canals, and Kazan with its mosques and familiar atmosphere. A new visa-free destination for Saudis, where we find you flights and the lowest available rate for your hotel.

Planning a trip to Russia?Send us your dates and the number of travellers, and we'll reply with flight, hotel and package options.
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Visa
Visa-free for Saudi passport holders since 11 May 2026, for up to 90 days in a calendar year
Flights from Riyadh
Seasonal direct flights in summer from Riyadh and Jeddah to Moscow, and year-round via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul
Time difference
None in Moscow: same time as Riyadh
Currency
Russian rouble
Language
Russian
Best time
May to September, and December to February for snow
The lowest available hotel rates in RussiaWe find you the lowest available rates for hotels in Moscow and Saint Petersburg and beyond, in every category.
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Top cities in Russia

Moscow

Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral, a metro like a museum, and wide parks.

Saint Petersburg

A city of palaces, canals and the Hermitage, with magical White Nights in June.

Kazan

The capital of Tatarstan, with the Kul Sharif Mosque inside its historic kremlin and halal restaurants everywhere.

Sochi

Black Sea beaches in summer, and the Krasnaya Polyana mountains for skiing in winter.

Murmansk

In the far north, for the northern lights from September to March.

Weather in Moscow by month

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High-4°-3°3°12°19°22°25°23°16°9°2°-2°
Low-9°-9°-4°2°8°12°15°13°8°3°-2°-7°
Rain (mm)534439376178847866705251
MonthHighLowRain (mm)
Jan-4°-9°53
Feb-3°-9°44
Mar3°-4°39
Apr12°2°37
May19°8°61
Jun22°12°78
Jul25°15°84
Aug23°13°78
Sep16°8°66
Oct9°3°70
Nov2°-2°52
Dec-2°-7°51

Source: VDNKh station, 1991–2020 normals, in degrees Celsius.

Best time to visit Russia

Late May to early September is the loveliest time: mild days of 19° to 25° in Moscow, and long daylight.

June is White Nights season in Saint Petersburg, when the light barely fades.

Winter (December to February) is very cold (around −4° by day in Moscow), but it's the season of snow and festive lights.

Before you travel

  • Since 1 July 2026 you must register in the Gosuslugi RuID app at least 72 hours before arrival, and show the QR code you receive at the border.
  • Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia don't work there, so take cash in dollars or euros to change into roubles.
  • WhatsApp has been blocked in Russia since February 2026, so arrange another way to stay in touch before you travel, such as calls and texts on a local SIM.
  • Moscow has three main airports, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, so check which one your flight uses.
  • The exemption covers tourism, business and visiting relatives, not work, study or residence.

Hotels in Russia: the best areas to stay

Visa for Russia

Frequently asked questions

Do Saudis need a visa for Russia?

No. Since 11 May 2026, ordinary Saudi passport holders can enter Russia visa-free for up to 90 days in a calendar year.

Are there direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Moscow?

Yes, seasonal direct flights in summer from Riyadh and Jeddah, and year-round connections via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.

Do bank cards work in Russia?

Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia don't work, so it's best to take cash in dollars or euros.

Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and flight schedules change. Please check the official requirements before travel. The binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.