--- title: "Visa-free regime for Vietnamese citizens: what is allowed and prohibited starting October 15, 2026" description: "Starting October 15, 2026, Vietnamese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Russia visa-free for up to 30 days. The Embassy clarified permitted travel purposes, stay limits, and document requirements." date: 2026-10-16T22:02:18.735Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/visa-free-regime-vietnamese-citizens-2026 tags: [visa-free-russia, vietnam, decree-730, travel, migration-policy] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Visa-free regime for Vietnamese citizens: what is allowed and prohibited starting October 15, 2026 ![Close-up of a passport page with a visa stamp and text in Russian](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/bezzovyi-rezhim-dlya-grazhdan-vyetnama-2026/bezzovyi-rezhim-dlya-grazhdan-vyetnama-2026-1.webp) ## Key Points - Decree No. 730, signed on October 12, 2026, introduces visa-free entry for Vietnamese citizens with ordinary passports for up to 30 days. - The regime is active from October 15, 2026, to October 15, 2027, and does not apply to employment, study, and residency. - Unlimited entries are allowed during the year, but the total stay must not exceed 90 days; medical insurance is not mandatory. 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. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Российское посольство разъяснило правила безвизового режима для граждан Вьетнама.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/dai-su-quan-nga-giai-dap-nhung-quy-dinh-ve-mien-thi-thuc-cho-cong-dan-viet-nam) - Decree number (730), signing date (October 12), validity period (15.10.2026–15.10.2027), 30/90 days limit, permitted travel purposes and exceptions (work, study, residency), as well as links to Resolution No. 754 and Law 114-FZ have been confirmed. ## FAQ ### When does the visa-free regime for Vietnamese citizens start? From October 15, 2026, to October 15, 2027, based on Decree No. 730 signed on October 12, 2026. ### How many days can a Vietnamese citizen stay in Russia without a visa? Up to 30 days per entry, and a total of no more than 90 days per year with an unlimited number of entries. ### Can I work or study in Russia under the visa-free regime? No, the regime does not apply to employment (including journalistic activity), study, and residency. ### Is medical insurance mandatory for entry? No, according to the decree, having health insurance is not a mandatory condition for entry.