Visa-Free Travel to Russia Could Be Next for Oman

Oman and Russia are gearing up to sign a mutual visa exemption agreement that will allow ordinary passport holders to travel between the two countries without a visa. The landmark deal is expected to be finalized during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit to Moscow on April 21, 2025.

The agreement is one of ten key documents expected to be signed during the visit and marks a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations. Once in effect, the visa waiver will allow citizens from both Oman and Russia to stay in each other’s countries visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, and no more than 90 days annually.

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A Milestone Visit

Sultan Haitham will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 22 to discuss a range of topics including trade, investment, cultural cooperation, and global affairs. The timing of the visit is significant, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Russia, which began on September 26, 1985.

“This visit will open new horizons for cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural, tourism, and educational fields,” said Hamud bin Salem Al Tuwaih, Oman’s ambassador to Russia.

Stronger Ties, Growing Trade

Oman and Russia have been deepening diplomatic engagement in recent years through regular consultations and high-level visits. By the end of 2024, bilateral trade had reached over OMR 133 million (around $346 million). Omani exports to Russia include mineral products and fertilisers, while Russia exports mostly iron products and foodstuffs to Oman.

The countries are also exploring joint ventures in areas like logistics, infrastructure, high-tech, and agriculture. According to Russia’s ambassador to Oman, Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, the Sultan’s visit presents “an ideal opportunity to deepen trust between the leaderships.”

Tourism and Investment on the Rise

Tourism between the two countries is growing steadily. In 2024 alone, 11,000 Omanis visited Russia, while 44,000 Russian tourists came to Oman. As of the same year, 277 Russian-affiliated companies were operating in Oman, investing over OMR 11.6 million in sectors like retail, IT, hospitality, and construction.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

The partnership goes beyond trade and tourism. Oman and Russia are expanding educational and cultural ties through student exchange programs, academic partnerships, and even developing parliamentary cooperation to strengthen legislative dialogue.

Oman’s Global Role

Oman continues to play an important role on the international stage. Recently, Muscat hosted indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, reinforcing Oman’s reputation as a trusted diplomatic mediator in the region.

As Sultan Haitham prepares to visit Moscow, the visa-free agreement stands out as a key symbol of growing cooperation and a new chapter in Oman-Russia relations.