Vietnamese Travelers Can Now Skip the Russian Visa for a Month

Russia has waived visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens for one year. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on October 12, and it took effect on October 15, 2026, running through October 15, 2027. Vietnam becomes the 12th country whose citizens can enter Russia without a visa.

Visitors may stay up to 30 consecutive days for non-work purposes, which the decree lists as business trips, tourism, events and transit. Travel for employment, journalism, study or long-term residence is excluded, so those visitors still need the proper visas.

Russian officials expect the change to lift tourist traffic between the two countries to 1.5 million by year-end. The countries currently run 78 flights a week, and 20 new routes opened last year. Russia’s Association of Tour Operators forecasts at least a 30 percent rise in Vietnamese tourists.

The move follows talks between Putin and Vietnam’s leader To Lam in early September. For travelers, it removes paperwork and cost, though anyone planning a trip should confirm entry rules with official sources before booking, as a one-year waiver can change.

Sources: The Star, The Gulf Observer