Do Russians need a visa for Vietnam? The answer is no – not for short visits. Russian citizens can currently enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days for both tourism and business purposes. This visa exemption makes Vietnam one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations for Russian travelers.
However, if you’re planning to stay longer or work in Vietnam, you’ll need to apply for a visa beforehand. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Vietnam’s visa policies for Russian passport holders, including exemption requirements, extension options, and the most convenient ways to obtain a visa when needed.
For most Russian tourists and business travelers, the answer is simple: no visa is required for stays up to 45 days. This generous exemption policy has been in effect since March 15, 2025, and is currently scheduled to run until March 14, 2028, with the possibility of extension upon review.
This means that if you’re a Russian citizen planning a vacation, attending a business meeting, or exploring Vietnam’s rich culture and landscapes for less than six weeks, you can simply book your flight and go. No advance visa application, no embassy visits, no approval letters – just your valid passport and a plane ticket.
However, there are important conditions to meet, and certain situations do require a visa. If you’re planning to work, invest, engage in journalism, or stay longer than the exemption period allows, you’ll need to arrange proper documentation before your trip.
The current visa exemption for Russian citizens represents a significant milestone in Vietnam-Russia relations. This policy allows Russian passport holders to enter Vietnam multiple times during the exemption period without obtaining advance authorization, making it ideal for tourists, business visitors, and those exploring potential opportunities in Vietnam.
What makes this exemption particularly valuable is its dual-purpose nature. Unlike some countries that separate tourist and business entry requirements, Vietnam’s exemption covers both categories. Whether you’re visiting Halong Bay, meeting with potential business partners in Ho Chi Minh City, or attending conferences in Hanoi, the same 45-day exemption applies.
The policy also includes multiple-entry privileges, meaning you can leave Vietnam and return during the exemption period without issues, as long as each individual stay doesn’t exceed 45 days. This flexibility is especially useful for travelers who want to explore neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand as part of a broader Southeast Asian journey.
It’s worth noting that while the exemption is currently guaranteed until March 2028, the Vietnamese government may choose to extend, modify, or discontinue it based on diplomatic relations and tourism objectives. Our team at Tan Van Lang monitors these policy changes closely and always keeps our clients informed of any updates that might affect their travel plans.
How Long Can Russians Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa?
Russian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 consecutive days without a visa. This 45-day period begins the moment you clear immigration at your arrival point, whether you’re landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, or entering through one of Vietnam’s many land borders or seaports.
The 45-day duration is quite generous compared to typical visa-free allowances in the region, which often range from 14 to 30 days. This extended period gives Russian travelers ample time to experience Vietnam’s diverse offerings, from the mountainous regions of Sapa in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, without feeling rushed.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these 45 days are strictly counted from your entry date. If you enter Vietnam on January 1st, for example, you must leave by February 14th at the latest. Overstaying your exemption period, even by a single day, can result in fines, deportation, and potential difficulties with future Vietnamese visa applications.
One common misconception we encounter at Tan Van Lang involves travelers who believe they can simply exit and immediately re-enter Vietnam to “reset” their 45-day clock. While technically possible in some cases, immigration officers have discretion to deny entry to travelers they suspect of abusing the exemption system. If you genuinely need to make multiple trips to Vietnam, we recommend spacing them appropriately or applying for a proper multiple-entry visa.
If your plans require more than 45 days in Vietnam, or if you need to engage in activities not covered by the exemption, you’ll need to obtain a visa before traveling
Requirements for Russians to Enter Vietnam Visa-Free
While Russians don’t need advance visa approval for short stays, there are still important requirements you must meet at the immigration checkpoint. Failing to satisfy these conditions can result in denied boarding at your departure airport or refusal of entry upon arrival in Vietnam.
► Passport Validity
Your Russian passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Vietnam. This six-month rule is standard across most Southeast Asian countries and is strictly enforced. If your passport expires in July and you’re planning to travel in April, you’ll need to renew your passport first, even though it would technically still be valid during your stay.
► Blank Visa Pages
Your passport must contain at least two completely blank pages for immigration stamps. These pages must be in the visa section of your passport, not just empty pages elsewhere in the document. Immigration officers need clean, unmarked pages to place their stamps clearly.
► Return or Onward Ticket
While not always checked, you should have proof of your departure from Vietnam within the 45-day exemption period. This can be a return flight to Russia or an onward ticket to another country. Airlines sometimes verify this before allowing you to board, as they can be fined for transporting passengers without proper documentation.
► Purpose of Visit
The exemption covers tourism and business activities only. You cannot work, study, or engage in paid employment during your visa-free stay. Business activities include meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but not actual employment or long-term projects.
Our consulting team at Tan Van Lang always advises clients to prepare these documents in advance. We’ve seen too many travelers experience last-minute stress at airports because of expired passports or missing pages. A quick review of your travel documents a few weeks before departure can save considerable trouble.
>>> Read more:Form NA2 – Complete Guide for Vietnam Entry Visa Application
What If a Russian Citizen Wants to Stay Longer Than the Exemption Period?
If your plans require more than 45 days in Vietnam, or if you need to engage in activities not covered by the exemption, you’ll need to obtain a visa before traveling. Fortunately, Russian citizens have several convenient options for securing Vietnamese visas, each with its own advantages depending on your circumstances.
Option 1: Applying for the Vietnam E-Visa for Russians
The Vietnam e-visa has become the most popular choice for Russian travelers who need to stay longer than the exemption period allows. Launched in its current form in August 2023, the e-visa system offers up to 90 days of stay with either single or multiple-entry options, making it substantially more flexible than the visa-free exemption.
How the E-Visa Works
The e-visa is entirely electronic. You apply online, submit your documents digitally, and receive your approved visa via email as a PDF document. You then print this document and present it to immigration officers when you arrive in Vietnam. There’s no need to visit an embassy, mail your passport, or wait at the airport for approval.
E-Visa Processing and Validity
Standard processing through the official government portal at evisa.gov.vn takes between three to seven business days. The government fee is $25 for single-entry visas and $50 for multiple-entry visas. Your approved e-visa allows you to enter Vietnam through any international airport, seaport, or land border crossing point.
Applying Through Tan Van Lang
While you can apply directly through the government portal, many Russian travelers choose to work with our team at Tan Van Lang for several important reasons. We handle the entire application process, verify all your documents before submission to prevent rejections, and offer expedited processing options when you’re short on time.
Visa Type
Processing Time
Fee (RUB)
1 Month Single Entry
Standard (5-7 working days)
4,324
1 Month Single Entry
Urgent 2 Working Days
7,075
1 Month Single Entry
Urgent 1 Working Day
8,254
1 Month Single Entry
Emergency (4 Working Hours)
9,826
1 Month Multiple Entry
Standard (5-7 working days)
6,289
1 Month Multiple Entry
Urgent 2 Working Days
9,040
1 Month Multiple Entry
Urgent 1 Working Day
10,219
1 Month Multiple Entry
Emergency (4 Working Hours)
11,792
3 Month Single Entry
Standard (5-7 working days)
4,324
3 Month Single Entry
Urgent 2 Working Days
7,075
3 Month Single Entry
Urgent 1 Working Day
8,254
3 Month Single Entry
Emergency (4 Working Hours)
9,826
3 Month Multiple Entry
Standard (5-7 working days)
6,289
3 Month Multiple Entry
Urgent 2 Working Days
9,040
3 Month Multiple Entry
Urgent 1 Working Day
10,219
3 Month Multiple Entry
Emergency (4 Working Hours)
11,792
All fees include both visa processing and government charges
Common E-Visa Application Issues
Through our years of experience, we’ve identified the most frequent problems that cause e-visa applications to be delayed or rejected. The top issues include incorrect personal details (name spelling, birth date, or passport number errors), poor quality passport scans or photos that don’t meet technical requirements, and wrong passport expiration dates.
Your passport photo must have a plain white or light-colored background, show your full face clearly, and meet specific dimension and file size requirements. We’ve seen countless applications delayed simply because applicants submitted selfies or photos with shadows, colored backgrounds, or incorrect formatting.
Option 2: Getting a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The visa on arrival option is an alternative method that some Russian travelers prefer, particularly for shorter stays. Despite its name, you cannot simply show up at a Vietnamese airport and get a visa. You must arrange a pre-approval letter before your flight, which you then exchange for an actual visa stamp upon landing.
How Visa on Arrival Works
First, you apply through a visa agency (like Tan Van Lang) for a visa approval letter. This letter confirms that Vietnamese immigration has pre-approved your visa application. You receive this letter via email, print it, and bring it with you to Vietnam. Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, you present the letter, your passport, passport photos, and the stamping fee to receive your visa.
Important Limitations
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports, not at land borders or seaports. If you’re entering Vietnam by bus from Cambodia or by boat from China, this option won’t work for you. Additionally, VOA is currently limited to a maximum stay of 30 days, compared to 90 days for the e-visa.
Airport Stamping Fee
When you arrive in Vietnam, you must pay an additional cash fee directly to immigration officers for the visa stamp. This fee is currently $25 for single-entry visas and $50 for multiple-entry visas, and must be paid in US dollars. Many travelers forget about this additional expense, so it’s important to have cash ready.
Pros and Cons of VOA
The main advantage of visa on arrival is that you don’t need to submit passport photos with your initial application, which reduces one potential source of rejection. However, you do need to bring two passport photos to the airport for your visa stamp.
The downside is the waiting time. Even with your approval letter ready, you’ll typically spend 30 to 45 minutes at the airport going through the visa stamping process. During busy travel periods, this wait can extend to an hour or more. For travelers arriving on long flights who are eager to reach their hotel, this delay can be frustrating.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Based on our experience at Tan Van Lang, we generally recommend the e-visa for most Russian travelers planning extended stays. It offers longer validity, works at all entry points, and eliminates airport waiting time. However, VOA can be useful for urgent situations where you need approval within hours rather than days.
No, Russian citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business purposes.
What is the new 45-day visa exemption for Russians in Vietnam?
It’s a policy effective from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028, allowing Russians to stay in Vietnam for 45 days without obtaining a visa beforehand.
How can a Russian citizen stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days?
Apply for an e-visa (up to 90 days) before traveling, or arrange a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. Both options require advance preparation.
Can Russians apply for the 90-day Vietnam e-visa?
Yes, Russian citizens are eligible for the 90-day e-visa with either single or multiple-entry options since August 2023.
What are the entry requirements for a Russian to enter Vietnam visa-free?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months, have two blank pages, and you should have proof of onward travel within 45 days.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for a Russian citizen?
Government e-visa fees are $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry. Service fees through agencies vary based on processing speed and visa type.
Can Russians extend their visa exemption while in Vietnam?
No, the 45-day visa exemption cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and apply for a proper visa before returning.
At Tan Van Lang, we’ve spent years helping Russian travelers navigate Vietnam’s visa requirements with confidence and ease. Whether you’re taking advantage of the 45-day exemption for a quick vacation or need a longer-term visa for business or extended travel, our experienced team is ready to assist with expert guidance and reliable service. Contact us today to ensure your Vietnam journey starts smoothly from the moment you book your flight
Tôi là Nguyễn Thị Bích Phụng (Hana Nguyen), hiện đang là Sales Manager và biên tập viên tại Công Ty Cổ Phần Dịch Vụ Du Lịch và Thương Mại Tân Văn Lang.
Tôi có 5 năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực xin visa Việt Nam, xin công văn nhập cảnh, thẻ tạm trú, miễn thị thực... cho người nước ngoài muốn nhập cảnh, lưu trú và làm việc tại Việt Nam. Tôi đã được thành tích Nhân viên xuất sắc tại Tân Văn Lang từ 2021 - 2023.
Tôi hi vọng những kiến thức của mình sẽ giúp được nhiều người nước ngoài có thể nhập cảnh Việt Nam dễ dàng.
How the E-Visa Works
Which Option Should You Choose?
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