Vietnam Opens Visa-Free Travel for Russia, Pilots China Group Waivers

Russia Waives Visas for Vietnamese Citizens

Russia has officially removed visa requirements for holders of ordinary Vietnamese passports, a change effective from 15 October 2026. This development was welcomed by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as stated by spokesperson Phạm Thu Hằng during a press briefing.

The move formalises a commitment made during Vietnam President Tô Lâm's recent state visit to Russia, which aimed to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 730 on 12 October, enacting the new policy.

This initiative is designed to expand labour cooperation, enhance tourism connections through increased flight frequencies, and simplify entry and exit procedures for Vietnamese citizens travelling to Russia.

Vietnam Launches Pilot Visa-Free Scheme for Chinese Tourists

In a separate but related development, Vietnam has introduced a pilot visa exemption programme for Chinese tour groups visiting Khánh Hòa Province. This scheme, established by Vietnamese Government Resolution No. 325/NQ-CP on 12 October 2026, is active immediately and will run until 31 December 2027.

The initiative is a concrete step towards implementing understandings reached by senior leaders of both countries, including the launch of the Việt Nam–China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-27 during General Secretary and President Tô Lâm’s visit to China in April 2026.

The policy aims to facilitate travel for Chinese tourists, boost people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen tourism cooperation.

Conditions for Chinese Group Travel Exemption

The pilot visa exemption for Chinese visitors carries specific conditions. It applies to Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports, though it excludes those with Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region passports. Tourists must travel in groups of at least two individuals under package tours organised by Vietnam's international travel companies.

Furthermore, the scheme is geographically restricted to the coastal central province of Khánh Hòa. All eligible tourists must enter and depart Vietnam through Cam Ranh International Airport on direct flights originating from mainland China, utilising the same border gate for both arrival and departure to qualify for the waiver.

Regional Tourism Impact and Future Outlook

These dual visa policy adjustments underscore Vietnam's proactive strategy to revitalise its inbound and outbound tourism sectors. The Russian visa waiver directly benefits Vietnamese travellers, simplifying their trips to Russia and potentially encouraging more cultural and business exchanges.

For the broader Asian travel industry, Vietnam's targeted approach with China's group waivers for Khánh Hòa Province reveals a strategic focus on specific markets and destinations. Vietnamese authorities have stated they will monitor and assess the implementation and results of this pilot scheme to inform any future adjustments or potential expansions of visa exemptions.

This could set a precedent for similar targeted waivers in other Asian destinations, influencing how regional governments approach tourism recovery and bilateral relations.