Russia and Jordan to Introduce New Mutual Visa-Free Travel from this December, Strengthening its Tourism, Trade and Cultural Exchange

Beginning on December 13, 2025, a ground-breaking visa-free travel regime will be implemented by Russia and Jordan, enabling citizens of the two countries to travel to each other’s country without needing a visa. The move will promote tourism, as well as cultural exchange, in a bid to cement better ties between the two countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that it has reached an agreement that represents an easier way for people to travel between Russia and Jordan.

How the Visa-Free Agreement Works for Travelers

Under the new agreement, Russian citizens will be able to visit Jordan without a visa for up to 30 days. However, this stay is limited to tourism, business visits, and short-term cultural exchanges, and visitors cannot work, study, or reside permanently in Jordan. The total visa-free stay in a 12-month period cannot exceed 90 days.

Jordanian citizens will also benefit from the same privileges when visiting Russia. They will be able to travel freely for tourism, short-term business, or cultural purposes with no visa required, subject to the same stay duration and limitations as Russian citizens.

A Boost for Tourism Between Russia and Jordan

This new visa-free travel agreement comes at an ideal time, particularly for Russian tourists looking to escape the winter chill. Jordan’s sunny beaches, ancient ruins, and unique landscapes make it an attractive destination for those seeking warmth and adventure. Aqaba, with its crystal-clear waters, and Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-colored rock, are just two of Jordan’s top tourist destinations that will now be more accessible to Russian travelers.

On the other hand, Jordanian visitors will be able to explore Russia’s cultural treasures, from the grandeur of Moscow’s Red Square to the historic beauty of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. The policy is expected to create a significant uptick in tourism, benefiting the hospitality and tourism industries in both countries.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Cultural Relations

The visa-free travel agreement not only facilitates easier movement between the two nations but also deepens the diplomatic and cultural ties between Russia and Jordan. Over the years, both countries have collaborated on energy, trade, and cultural projects, and this visa waiver is the latest step in enhancing their partnership. Both nations hope that this agreement will encourage people-to-people exchanges, improve tourism flow, and promote cultural diplomacy. With easier access to each other’s countries, Russian and Jordanian citizens will have more opportunities to engage with the local culture, fostering a deeper appreciation of each other’s history, traditions, and way of life.

This agreement also ties in with both countries’ broader objectives to enhance regional tourism and improve international connectivity. Jordan’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and cultural preservation aligns with Russia’s interest in developing its tourism industry, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Tourist traffic between the two countries is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, spurred on by the ease of access.

What This Means for Travelers

The visa-free travel policy eliminates the hassle of visa applications, making it easier for Russian travelers to visit Jordan and vice versa. All that’s needed for entry is a valid passport. The agreement is designed to facilitate travel for tourists, business people, and cultural travelers while maintaining important restrictions on long-term stays.

Travelers will now have the flexibility to explore new destinations, whether it’s diving in the Red Sea, wandering through ancient Roman ruins, or experiencing the unique cultures of Moscow and Amman. In addition, it opens up greater opportunities for family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchange programs between the two countries.

Impact on Tourism Agencies and Local Economies

With the introduction of this visa waiver, tourism agencies in both Russia and Jordan are expected to roll out new promotional campaigns to attract visitors from each other’s countries. The Jordanian tourism board is already preparing to highlight the country’s unique cultural sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, while Russia’s tourism authorities are focusing on its vast offerings, from the cosmopolitan charm of Moscow to the architectural wonders of St. Petersburg.

For local businesses, the policy presents a major opportunity to tap into new markets. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites in both countries stand to see increased revenue from a surge in foreign visitors, further boosting the tourism economy. Experts predict that this increase in tourism will also have a positive economic impact, providing job opportunities and promoting the sustainability of the tourism sector in both Russia and Jordan.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities for Travel and Cooperation

Russia and Jordan prepare to implement this new visa-free travel agreement, high expectations are attached to its long-term dividends between the two nations. It’s not just about the facilitation of tourism, but closer business relationships, expansion of academic exchanges, and cultural understanding within the two countries. It’s expected to pave the way for further travel agreements and collaborations with other countries in the region.

Both governments are already considering the expansion of such an agreement in order to incorporate other areas, like education, business partnerships, and scientific exchanges. The positive reception of a visa-free initiative between Russia and Jordan may serve as a good example for other countries in their desire to improve regional cooperation and people-to-people engagement.

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UAE Joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and More to Face Significant Drop in Tourism in Middle East for Nine Successive Months in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

In 2025, UAE, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and other countries, faces a significant drop in tourism in middle east due to global economic factors, shifting travel trends, and regional challenges. The tourism sector in these nations has been impacted by a variety of forces, including geopolitical tensions, economic slowdowns, and changing travel patterns. These countries, which have long relied on high-value tourists and business travel, are seeing a decline in both arrivals and tourism receipts. Despite these challenges, efforts to diversify tourism offerings, enhance infrastructure, and host international events are underway to boost recovery and attract visitors in the years ahead.

UAE: A Minor Dip in Arrivals, Major Drop in Tourism Spending

The UAE recorded a 0.1% decline in tourist arrivals YTD compared to the previous year, alongside a significant 9.7% decline in tourism receipts. While the decrease in arrivals is marginal, the sharp drop in tourism revenue points to a reduction in high-value tourists and longer stays. The UAE’s hospitality and tourism sector, which heavily depends on luxury tourism and business-related travel, has seen some setbacks due to the global economic climate, shifting travel preferences, and competition from emerging destinations. Despite this, the UAE continues to invest in large-scale projects like Expo 2020 Dubai and is working to rebound by offering innovative tourist experiences and increasing international marketing efforts.

Qatar: Growth in Visitors, but Tourism Receipts Take a Dive

Qatar experienced a 3.4% growth in tourist arrivals YTD; however, this was overshadowed by a 47.2% decline in tourism receipts over the previous year. Despite the increase in the number of visitors, the significant drop in revenue indicates a shift in visitor profiles, with fewer high-spending tourists or shorter stays. Qatar has been making efforts to diversify its tourism offering, particularly by investing in major events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and promoting its cultural attractions. Nevertheless, the country faces challenges in sustaining high-value tourism, and the economic factors affecting global tourism are evident in the data.

Saudi Arabia: A Bumpy Road for Tourism with a 4.5% Decline

Saudi Arabia experienced a 4.5% decline in tourist arrivals YTD compared to the previous year. In addition, the country saw a 6.5% decline in tourism receipts YTD over the prior year. This decline is indicative of the challenges faced by the kingdom’s tourism sector in 2025. Despite the kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract more international visitors, factors such as geopolitical tensions, global economic slowdowns, and changes in travel patterns have impacted Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The country is working on enhancing its tourism infrastructure, focusing on projects like the Red Sea Project and hosting international events to recover and boost visitor numbers in the coming years.

Jordan: Struggling to Keep Pace with Tourism Declines

Jordan saw a 2.4% decline in tourist arrivals YTD and a 2.3% decline in tourism receipts compared to the previous year. This reduction can be attributed to factors such as regional instability, economic pressures, and changing global travel habits. Jordan’s tourism industry, which heavily depends on visitors to Petra, the Dead Sea, and other cultural heritage sites, faced challenges from fluctuating global demand. However, the Jordanian government has been focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings and improving infrastructure to attract more international visitors. The country is also looking at sustainable tourism practices to ensure a long-term recovery.

Oman: A Mixed Bag for Tourism with a Steady Revenue Impact

Oman saw a 6.7% decline in tourist arrivals YTD, though it managed to maintain a 0% change in tourism receipts compared to the previous year. While the country has not seen a further reduction in revenue, the drop in tourist numbers reflects broader regional trends, including the impacts of the global pandemic, fluctuating oil prices, and the economic recovery from past disruptions. Oman’s tourism sector continues to face challenges in attracting large international markets. However, the government remains focused on sustainable tourism initiatives and enhancing the country’s natural and cultural offerings, like the Al Hoota Cave and the coastal regions, to improve future performance.

Kuwait: A Steady Decline in Arrivals, But Receipts Hold Steady

Kuwait saw a 0.3% decline in tourist arrivals YTD, and no change in tourism receipts compared to the previous year. The country’s tourism sector faces slow growth, with the minor decline in arrivals reflecting broader regional and global economic conditions. The tourism sector in Kuwait remains reliant on regional tourism, with international visitors still accounting for a smaller share of overall arrivals. Efforts to diversify its economy and boost its tourism offerings through infrastructure development, such as the Kuwait National Museum and more extensive leisure offerings, are in the works. However, the impact of the pandemic and subsequent global recovery continues to affect its progress.

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UAE sees a 0.1% dip in arrivals, 9.7% drop in receipts. This decline is part of a broader trend, as the UAE, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and Kuwait, faces a significant drop in tourism in middle east for nine successive months in 2025 due to global economic factors and shifting travel trends.

Conclusion

UAE sees a 0.1% dip in arrivals, 9.7% drop in receipts, marking a significant decline in tourism in middle east. This trend, shared by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and more, highlights the challenges faced by these nations in 2025, driven by global economic factors and shifting travel patterns. Despite these setbacks, these countries are working to rebound by diversifying their tourism offerings, improving infrastructure, and hosting major international events to attract future visitors.

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