- There is now a mutual exemption of visa requirements for citizens of the UAE and Russia *
- Russia started to implement its visa waiver policy for UAE citizens in February 2019
- It is now easier for Emiratis to fly to Russia for their next vacation
*All information and prices correct at time of publication (March 2019) and may be subject to change. Always check with the government for the most up to date visa information and advice.
UAE Citizens Russia Visa
Under a new agreement, Russia has exempted UAE citizens with full passports from pre-entry visa requirements. This new system started on February 17, 2019. The agreement was the result of discussions between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, last year.
Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said: “Russia’s decision to exempt UAE citizens from pre-entry visas is the outcome of a series of factors that encouraged its government to take this initiative, which reflects the UAE’s international stature and reputation.”
United Arab Emirates and Russia have expressed a commitment to building tourism and trade links between the two countries.
UAE Citizens Visa Waiver
United Arab Emirates citizens will now be able to travel to their destination airport in Russia without applying for a visa before they travel. The change in policy also grants Russian passport holders a 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE, with the option to extend for a further month for a fee.
Last year saw a 64.8% increase in the number of tourists traveling from airports in Russia to Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.
Under the previous system, Emiratis had to obtain a pre-entry visa for Russia before they boarded their flight in the UAE.
Fly to Russia: UAE Citizens
According to the agreement that is now in effect, citizens of the United Arab Emirates, holders of valid passports who have no plans to work, study or live in the Russian Federations have the right to enter, stay or pass through the country on a 90-day visa-free basis.
This applies to any Emirati traveler if they have a passport that is valid for a period not less than six months. Travelers must stick to the terms of the agreement and not work while they are in the country.
A condition of the agreement is that the total period of authorized stay should not exceed 90 days within each period of 180 days. If you require further information you should contact the Ministry before your date of travel to ensure you are eligible.
Non-stop flights from UAE to Russia include:
- Fly from Dubai to Ekaterinburg with prices starting from AED 1,215
- Fly direct from Dublin to Moscow from AED 1,224
- Fly from Dubai to Krasnodar from AED 1,578
- Fly from Abu Dhabi to Moscow from AED 1,990
