Visa-free travel to Russia is available, so what do you need to prepare for a backpacking trip?

Russian Presidential Decree 730 allows Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports to enter Russia visa-free for up to 30 days. The policy is effective from October 15, 2026 to October 15, 2027, for purposes such as tourism , visiting relatives, business trips, and certain other activities.

To ensure a smooth trip, you still need to prepare thoroughly, from plane tickets and hotels to rubles, SIM cards, public transportation, and entry documents.

30-day visa-free stay: How many days should you plan for a trip to Russia?

Instead of adhering to the default 30-day trip, we should consider four timeframes: 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, or 28 days.

7 days is suitable for those who want to focus on Moscow or combine Moscow and Saint Petersburg. 14 days allows for a more leisurely exploration of these two cities, with time for museums, train rides, and learning about local life. 21 days could include Kazan or other destinations. 28 days is suitable for combining major cities with a destination in the North or Siberia.

I also advise against creating an itinerary that is too close to the maximum stay limit. It's a good idea to leave a few days as a contingency before leaving Russia to accommodate flight changes, weather, or traffic. This is a way to mitigate risks, not a requirement to leave the country before the 30th day.

When calculating the number of days of stay, please check the method of calculating the entry date, departure date, and applicable conditions as stated in the official announcement.

You can combine Russia with Belarus, for example, flying to Moscow and then to Minsk. However, it's necessary to check the entry requirements for Belarus separately, or to ensure that all trains and buses crossing the Russia-Belarus border are suitable for Vietnamese passport holders, as well as the travel regulations between the two countries and the requirements of the transport company before booking tickets.

Hunting for tickets to Russia: things you need to know before booking.

Given the sanctions and restrictions on air travel, payments related to Russia can be difficult. You should consult Trip.com and double-check the information with the airline or a reputable travel agency before booking.

You can also find tickets on OneTwoTrip, but be sure to check flight availability, payment methods, and confirm your ticket before departure.

If you're traveling to Moscow and ending up in Saint Petersburg, consider flying to one city and leaving Russia from the other to save travel time.

Don't just look at the initial ticket price: you need to factor in checked baggage, layover times, change or refund policies, and the risk of having to re-check in when connecting flights.

For itineraries with multiple legs or different airlines, it's advisable to allow sufficient buffer time between flights.

After payment, save your e-ticket, booking code, baggage information, and confirmation from the airline or agent. If you only receive a "transaction processing" notification, do not assume it is a valid ticket.

Please double-check your booking status and save the contact information so you can handle any changes before your departure date.

How to choose the right hotel for a self-guided trip to Russia?

You can find hotels on ZenHotels, OneTwoTrip, Trip.com, or the hotel's official website. Before booking, compare prices, locations, room types, cancellation policies, and payment methods.

When booking, prioritize locations near subway or public transport stations, and check the latest reviews, check-in and check-out times, and documentation requirements. If arriving late, confirm if the hotel accepts check-in at that time.

Carefully check your booking status and payment method. Depending on the accommodation, you may be required to pay in advance or pay on arrival, and payment options may vary depending on your card type and country of issue.

Don't assume that a booking confirmation means your payment has been successful. Save the confirmation email, carefully read the terms and conditions, and contact the hotel if you need clarification.

Where can I exchange rubles in Russia, and how do I use them?

It's advisable to prepare in advance from Vietnam, as Visa and Mastercard cards issued by banks outside Russia are generally not usable for domestic transactions in Russia. Check with your bank and prepare alternative options to avoid relying entirely on your cards.

In Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to finding licensed currency exchange counters, you can contact the Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank (VRB) to inquire about ruble exchange services. Before visiting, please confirm the address, operating hours, exchange rate, and available funds by calling 028 6296 5095 or visiting the bank's official website.

It's advisable to exchange just enough money for the first few days and distribute your cash in several safe places, rather than keeping it all in one wallet. Set aside separate funds for larger expenses such as hotels, train tickets, entrance fees, and other miscellaneous costs. When exchanging money, always ask about the actual exchange rate and transaction fees, and only use legitimate exchange points.

Buy a SIM card, install Yandex, and download maps before you set off.

Internet access is essential when traveling independently in Russia for finding directions, checking train schedules, and contacting hotels. Before your trip, install Yandex Maps, Yandex Go, and an offline translation app; check the app's functionality, download maps of destinations, and save hotel and train station addresses in both Russian and English. Take screenshots of important information to use in case of internet disconnection.

You might consider a travel eSIM if your phone supports it, but be sure to check coverage in Russia, data allowance, validity period, and payment methods. If you want to buy a local SIM card, visit an official mobile network provider's store to inquire about registration procedures, required documents, and activation requirements for foreigners.

Because telecommunication regulations can change, don't assume that just having a passport is enough to buy a SIM card. It's best to prepare a backup connection plan before you leave to avoid communication disruptions upon arrival.

Buy your tickets online, preferably from the official website.

If you have a specific itinerary, book in advance instead of buying tickets upon arrival. Here are some helpful addresses:

* Moscow Kremlin Museums: kreml.ru/en/tickets. Please carefully read the ticket purchase instructions, entry times, and any ticket exchange requirements. The museum also warns against counterfeit tickets from unauthorized resale platforms.

* Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg: hermitagemuseum.org/tickets. Check the correct facility you wish to visit, opening dates, and conditions of your chosen ticket type.

* Tretyakov Gallery: tretyakovgallery.ru. If you love Russian painting and art, check out the current exhibitions and ticket information.

Ticket prices, opening hours, and visiting conditions may vary depending on the season or event. Please book your tickets through the official website, save your booking code and confirmation voucher on your phone, and download the offline version for use in case of internet outage.

Getting around on the Moscow Metro : How to buy tickets and travel conveniently?

When using it for the first time, please check the station name, train line, direction, and transfer points beforehand. It's a good idea to save the station names in Russian or take a screenshot of your journey to make navigation easier and avoid confusion with the Cyrillic alphabet.

The Troika card is a popular choice for traveling on the Moscow Metro and many other public transport options. You can purchase the card at metro ticket counters or designated sales points, then top it up and tap it at the ticket gates. Be sure to check the official Moscow transport website before you travel.

If you only make a few trips, you can buy single tickets; if you travel frequently throughout the day, compare different ticket options to choose the best one. Check current ticket prices, prepare sufficient rubles, and inquire about refund policies for deposits and Troika card payments if applicable. Don't rely entirely on international bank cards for payment.

Weather , clothing, and items to prepare for a trip to Russia.

Russia has a climate that varies between regions, so check the specific weather forecast for each city before packing. You can consult the Russian Meteorological and Hydrological Center at Meteoinfo. Clothing for a Moscow-Saint Petersburg trip in autumn will be quite different from a trip to Murmansk or Lake Baikal in winter.

When it's cold, dress in layers including thermal shirts, warm layers, and a windproof, waterproof jacket. Prioritize warm, non-slip shoes, and bring spare hats, scarves, gloves, and socks. Russia uses type C/F sockets, 220V voltage, 50Hz frequency; check your charger and adapter before you go.

Keep your personal medications in their original packaging, bring your prescription if needed, and check immigration regulations regarding medications and food. Power banks containing lithium batteries should be placed in carry-on baggage as per airline regulations. You should also pack tissues, an empty water bottle, and snacks for convenience while traveling.

Travel insurance should be purchased after carefully reading the terms and conditions, not just looking at the price. Confirm that the insurance is valid in Russia and covers medical emergencies, medical transport, and repatriation if needed. In particular, carefully read the exclusion clauses regarding war, conflict, international sanctions, and pre-existing conditions. If the terms are unclear, ask the insurance company before making a payment.

Where to eat delicious and affordable food while traveling in Russia?

Several international fast-food brands in Russia have changed their names or switched to local systems. McDonald's has been replaced by Vkusno-i Tochka, while KFC has switched to the Rostic's brand. When looking for a place to eat, check the current brand name on a map for easier navigation.

Don't miss Russian dishes like pelmeni (meat-filled dumplings), blini (thin pancakes), borscht (beetroot soup), and beef stroganoff. When choosing a restaurant, check recent reviews, the menu, and prices on a map. If you have special dietary requirements, prepare some Russian vocabulary to discuss the ingredients of the dishes.

If you're going for an extended period, you can buy food at supermarkets or convenience stores to save money. Check opening hours and payment methods, and make reservations in advance at popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak season.

Notes on safety, paperwork, and culture.

Before your trip, monitor the travel advisories of Vietnamese authorities and stay updated on the security situation in Russia. Avoid border areas, areas considered dangerous, and sensitive military or security facilities. Also, keep emergency contact numbers, information on Vietnamese diplomatic missions, insurance policies, and a copy of your passport separate from the original.

Even if you are visa-exempt, you should still prepare your passport, exit ticket from Russia, itinerary, hotel confirmations, and important reservations to explain the purpose of your trip if needed. Before your departure date, check the latest Russian entry regulations, especially regarding electronic declarations and procedures for foreigners.

Avoid booking trains close to your flight time and always check the license plate and vehicle information before boarding. Due to the language barrier, you should learn a few basic Russian phrases, save addresses in Cyrillic script, and prepare information about your accommodation, itinerary, and purpose of your trip for future use.

Before your departure date, double-check your passport, immigration regulations, flight tickets, hotel reservations, train tickets, tour tickets, insurance, cash, and internet connection options. Save electronic copies offline, and keep paper copies of important documents. For large transactions, confirm the payment status instead of just saving the booking page.