Russia and Jordan have signed an agreement in Moscow to mutually waive visa requirements, a move both countries say will strengthen tourism, cultural exchange, and trade.
The deal was signed on Wednesday by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was aimed at “further developing the traditionally friendly Russian-Jordanian relations,” with particular attention given to economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Russians travelling to Jordan will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at airports for a fee of 40 Jordanian dinars (about $56), valid for up to one month. Conversely, the agreement also grants exemptions for short-term tourist visits, stipulating that visitors can stay for no more than 30 days per trip, and no more than 90 days in total within a year.
The agreement was first approved in draft form by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin back in May, paving the way for Wednesday’s official signing. Officials from both sides described the deal as a step towards expanding ties beyond the traditional diplomatic sphere.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the agreement “will contribute to increasing humanitarian and tourism exchanges and expanding our trade relations with Jordan.”
Boosting tourism and trade
The waiver is expected to bring a noticeable boost to the tourism sector, particularly given Jordan’s well-established reputation as a destination for Russian travellers interested in history, culture, and religious heritage. Popular attractions such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum already attract a steady flow of international tourists, and the new arrangement is likely to increase accessibility for Russian visitors.
From the Jordanian perspective, easier travel arrangements may also encourage Russian investments and partnerships across various industries, including energy, agriculture, and construction. Russia, meanwhile, stands to benefit from closer trade links with Jordan at a time when it continues to seek new international partners amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Strengthening regional ties
Jordan and Russia have long maintained cordial relations, with both countries collaborating on humanitarian initiatives and cultural exchanges. Moscow has often highlighted Amman’s role as a stabilising force in the Middle East, while Jordan has expressed support for deeper cooperation with Russia on regional security and development.
The signing of the visa waiver agreement comes against a backdrop of growing Russian efforts to diversify its partnerships in the Middle East, particularly in areas of trade and tourism. For Jordan, the deal reflects an ongoing strategy of maintaining balanced relations with major powers while seeking to attract more visitors and economic opportunities.
Officials on both sides suggested that the agreement may mark the beginning of further initiatives to strengthen cooperation. While the immediate focus is on tourism and cultural exchange, expanded trade and investment are also seen as key outcomes of the new arrangement.
With the summer travel season ongoing, both governments expect the deal to quickly translate into higher visitor numbers and increased people-to-people contact, underscoring the significance of easing travel barriers in today’s interconnected world.
