Vietnamese Citizens Gain Visa-Free Entry to Russia for One Year

New Visa Exemption for Vietnamese Travellers

Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports will gain visa-free entry to Russia starting 15 October 2026. This new travel policy, valid for one year until 15 October 2027, permits stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives, and business trips.

The exemption, established by Russian Presidential Decree 730, aims to streamline travel for Vietnamese nationals wishing to explore Russia. This development provides a significant opportunity for individuals and businesses in Vietnam to access the country more readily over the coming year.

Planning Your Stay and Entry Requirements

While the visa requirement is waived, travellers must still prepare essential documents and logistical arrangements. The decree allows for a maximum stay of 30 days, though advisories suggest planning itineraries for shorter periods like 7, 14, 21, or 28 days to allow for contingencies.

For instance, a 7-day trip could focus on Moscow or combine it with Saint Petersburg, while longer stays of up to 28 days might include destinations like Kazan or Siberia. Travellers should verify how entry and departure dates are calculated to ensure compliance with the 30-day limit.

Combining a visit to Russia with Belarus is possible, but separate entry requirements for Belarus and transit rules between the two nations must be checked beforehand.

Travel Planning and Payment Considerations

Booking flights and accommodation requires careful consideration, particularly given current sanctions affecting travel and payments in Russia. Travellers are advised to consult platforms such as Trip.com and OneTwoTrip, but always double-check details directly with airlines or reputable travel agencies.

Key checks include flight availability, payment methods, baggage allowances, layover durations, and policies for changes or refunds. For accommodation, options like ZenHotels, OneTwoTrip, Trip.com, and official hotel websites are available.

Prioritise locations near public transport, compare prices, and confirm cancellation policies, check-in times, and required documentation before finalising bookings. Always save confirmation emails and booking codes.

Currency Exchange and Financial Preparations

Financial planning is crucial, as Visa and Mastercard issued by banks outside Russia are generally not accepted for domestic transactions within the country. Travellers should arrange to exchange Russian rubles in advance from Vietnam.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank (VRB) offers ruble exchange services, and individuals should confirm operating hours, exchange rates, and available funds before visiting. It is recommended to exchange only enough cash for the initial days of the trip and to distribute funds across multiple secure locations. Additionally, always inquire about actual exchange rates and any transaction fees when converting currency.

Implications for Vietnamese Travellers

This new visa exemption simplifies travel for Vietnamese citizens, potentially boosting tourism and business exchanges between Vietnam and Russia. The policy directly impacts a significant Asian market, offering easier access to Russian destinations for leisure and professional purposes.

For Vietnamese tour operators, this change presents an opportunity to develop new packages and itineraries, catering to increased demand for travel to Russia. While the policy removes a key barrier, the practical advice on payments and logistics highlights the need for thorough preparation, which could influence how quickly Vietnamese travel volumes to Russia grow.

The one-year duration suggests a trial period, and future extensions or modifications will depend on the success of this initial phase.