On October 12, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 730, introducing visa-free entry for citizens of Vietnam holding ordinary (passport) documents. According to the document, Vietnamese citizens will be able to enter Russia and stay on its territory without a visa for up to 30 days. The regime is limited to a specific period — from October 15, 2026, to October 15, 2027. In connection with the entry into force of the decree, the Russian Embassy in Vietnam published clarifications answering the main questions related to the application of the new provision.
Trip purposes and limits of permitted stay
The visa-free regime applies to trips for the purpose of visiting relatives, business trips, tourism, as well as participation in scientific, cultural, political, social, economic, or sports events. Transit through the territory of Russia and departure from the country without a visa on the basis of an ordinary Vietnamese passport are permitted. At the same time, the entry and exit procedures established by the decree do not apply to entry for the purpose of employment, including journalistic activities, as well as studying or residing in Russia. Thus, the visa-free scheme does not replace work, study, or residence permits.
Terms, number of entries, and transport
The 30-day stay period is calculated from the date of the Vietnamese citizen's entry into Russia. The visa-free regime applies to entry by all modes of transport through border checkpoints open for passenger traffic, and also extends to entry from third countries. Throughout the year, Vietnamese citizens are permitted unlimited entry into Russia, but the total duration of stay must not exceed 90 days. Persons entering under the visa-free scheme are not required to notify Russian diplomatic and consular missions abroad in advance about their trip. Entry and exit must be carried out within the validity period of the ordinary passport.
Document and insurance requirements
The Russian Embassy in Vietnam recommends that citizens, upon passing border control, carry documents confirming the purpose of the trip: hotel booking confirmation, air tickets, invitations from the host country, documents confirming family ties, and similar papers. According to the provisions of the decree, having medical insurance is not a mandatory condition for entry. Minor citizens of Vietnam entering under this scheme are not required to meet any additional requirements.
Territorial and legal reservations
Vietnamese citizens entering Russia in accordance with the decree are allowed to travel throughout the country except for territories, organizations, and institutions for visiting which foreigners require a special permit in accordance with Government Decree No. 754 of October 11, 2002. Entry may be prohibited or restricted in accordance with Articles 26 and 27 of Federal Law No. 114-FZ of August 15, 1996, "On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation." Thus, the visa-free regime does not cancel the general restrictions established by Russia's migration legislation.
