Russia Plans Visa-Free Entry for Vietnamese Citizens

Russia visa-free entry is planned for Vietnamese ordinary passport holders, but travelers cannot yet use the announced exemption. Authorities have not published an effective date, permitted stay, entry limit, eligible travel purposes, or whether independent visitors will be covered.

What changed

On September 9, 2026, President Vladimir Putin said Russia was working to introduce visa-free entry in the near future, according to Interfax. The plan is announced, not in force: an implementing agreement or decree has not been identified. Until an official start date is published, the existing visa requirement remains in place for ordinary passports.

Currently, eligible Vietnamese citizens can obtain a single-entry eVisa valid for 120 days and stay for up to 30 days. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the current electronic visa instructions.

Who is affected

The proposal concerns ordinary passports. Vietnamese passport holders with diplomatic or official passports are already visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. Eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders carrying the RUS designation are also already exempt. The planned exemption’s coverage of independent travelers versus approved tour groups has not been settled.

Why Russia made the change

Russian officials presented the proposal as reciprocal, noting that Russian citizens already receive visa-free entry to Vietnam. Russian ordinary passport holders may enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days through March 14, 2028. The government also expects the change to support tourism, business contacts, employment and tourism infrastructure development. Earlier government discussions concerned visa-free organized group tourism, while the later presidential announcement referred more broadly to Vietnamese citizens.

What travelers should do

Do not make travel plans on the assumption that visa-free access is available. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders should continue to secure a Russian visa or eVisa before departure until an agreement, decree and effective date are officially published. Before booking, verify entry rules with the Russian Foreign Ministry, particularly if traveling independently rather than with an organized group.

Apply now

Apply for the current electronic visa through evisa.kdmid.ru.

Sources

1. 1Entry Conditions for Foreign Citizens in RussiaRussian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department · kdmid.ru
2. 2Processing of a Russian Electronic VisaRussian Ministry of Foreign Affairs · evisa.kdmid.ru
3. 3Russia and Vietnam Discuss Tourism CooperationGovernment of the Russian Federation · government.ru
4. 4Vietnam’s Visa Exemption ListVietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs · mofa.gov.vn
5. 5Putin Announces Visa-Free Plans for Vietnamese CitizensInterfax · interfax.ru