From October 15, 2026, Vietnamese citizens will be able to come to Russia without a visa for up to 30 days
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decree No. 730 dated 10/12/2026, according to which, from October 15, 2026 through October 15, 2027 inclusive, citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam receive the right to visa-free entry into the Russian Federation. The corresponding document has been published on the official portal of legal information.
What is permitted and under what conditions
According to the decree, Vietnamese citizens may stay in Russia without a visa for no more than 30 days. This concerns the following purposes of travel:
- a guest or business visit;
- tourism;
- participation in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, and sports events;
- transit through Russia and subsequent departure from the country.
Thus, the new measure covers a wide range of short-term trips, but does not apply to those who plan to work in Russia, obtain an education, or permanently reside in its territory. For these categories of citizens, the visa regime still applies. A similar regime has already been in effect for more than a year for citizens of the People's Republic of China.
The new regime is expected to simplify business and tourist contacts between the two countries and become an additional incentive for the development of economic and cultural ties.
Frequently asked questions:
-
From what date may Vietnamese citizens enter Russia without a visa?
From October 15, 2026. The visa-free regime will be in effect through October 15, 2027 inclusive. -
For how long may one come to Russia without a visa?
No more than 30 days from the moment of entry. -
For what purpose may one come to Russia without a visa?
A guest or business visit, tourism, participation in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, and sports events, as well as transit through Russia. -
Can one work or study in Russia under the visa-free regime?
No. The decree does not apply to Vietnamese citizens entering for employment, education, or residence. For these purposes, a visa is still required. -
What has changed in the visa regime for Russians traveling to Vietnam?
This decree concerns only Vietnamese citizens entering Russia. For Russians traveling to Vietnam, separate rules apply, which depend on bilateral agreements. -
There were earlier reports of plans for group visa-free tours. Is this the same decree?
No. Earlier, the Ministry of Economic Development reported plans to discuss an agreement on a visa-free regime for tourist groups from Vietnam. The new presidential decree is a unilateral step by Russia that introduces a visa-free regime for all Vietnamese citizens for a period of up to 30 days. -
How does this relate to Russia's expansion of the visa-free space?
This is a continuation of Russia's policy of simplifying the visa regime with friendly countries. We previously wrote about how Russia is expanding the visa-free space, while Taiwan, Nepal, and Egypt are switching to electronic visas. -
Is it necessary to complete any documents for visa-free entry?
To enter Russia, a valid passport will be required. The visa-free regime removes the need to obtain a visa, but does not eliminate the need to comply with migration rules and registration at the place of stay when necessary.
Photo source: https://www.magnific.com/ru
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