Russia grants a 30-day visa-free entry to Vietnamese citizens starting October 15th. Photo: Vietnam National Tourism Administration.
According to Decree No. 730 signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 12, the visa exemption policy applies to Vietnamese citizens entering Russia for tourism, visiting relatives, business, participation in scientific, cultural, economic, sports, political and social activities, or transit.
These regulations do not apply to individuals entering Russia for work, journalistic activities, study, or residence.
According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR), the new policy could help increase the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Russia by 25-30%. The association stated that in the first half of 2026, the number of Vietnamese tourists to Russia increased by 69% compared to the same period the previous year. The number of direct flights between Russia and Vietnam is increasing, and the scope of these flights is expanding. Currently, there are 78 flights per week between the two countries. In 2015 alone, 20 new routes were launched to the Vietnamese cities of Da Nang, Nha Trang , Cam Ranh, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Many new routes have also been launched to the Vietnamese cities of Da Nang, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The visa exemption is expected to facilitate travel, promote people-to-people exchanges, and expand tourism cooperation between the two countries.
