Visa-Free Travel Between Oman and Russia: Key Focus of Sultan’s State Visit to Moscow

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is set to embark on a two-day state visit to the Russian Federation starting Monday, 21 April 2025, with one of the most notable outcomes expected to be a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports.

H.E. Hamood bin Salim Al Towaie, Oman’s Ambassador to Russia, announced that 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering energy, trade, education, tourism, diplomacy, environment, and parliamentary cooperation will be signed during the visit.

He stated: “The mutual visa waiver for ordinary passport holders will mark a turning point in bilateral relations, greatly facilitating citizen mobility and boosting tourism and trade exchanges.”

• 🔹 Tourism Statistics: In 2024, over 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman, while 11,000 Omanis traveled to Russia — a 70% increase compared to 2023.
• 🔹 Growing Trade Relations: Ambassador Al Towaie emphasized the growing trade between the two nations, including Omani exports such as dates, fish, aluminum, and building stones to Russia, and imports of wheat, machinery, and industrial tools from Russia.
• 🔹 New Frontiers in Energy and Education: Expected outcomes also include agreements on green hydrogen cooperation, renewable energy, academic exchange, and joint research projects.

This historic visit comes as Oman and Russia celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, first established with the former Soviet Union in 1985 and later continued with the Russian Federation.