Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Russia passport holders
Russian citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days under a bilateral exemption valid from March 2025 through March 2028. For stays up to 90 days, a Vietnam e-visa is available for USD $25 (single entry) or USD $50 (multiple entry), applied for entirely online before travel.
Great news! Russia passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 45 days.
- Valid Russian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- At least 2 blank pages in passport
- Return or onward ticket (recommended)
- Hotel booking or accommodation address
Visa-free entry (up to 45 days):
No prior application needed. At immigration, present:
Entry allowed by air, land, or sea at all international points. No pre-registration or online form required.
- Cost: USD $25 (single entry) or USD $50 (multiple entry)
- Processing: 3-7 business days
- You receive a PDF approval to print and present at immigration
- Required: passport scan, digital photo (4x6 cm, white background), travel dates, accommodation address
E-visa alternative (up to 90 days):
Apply before travel at evisa.gov.vn (official Vietnamese immigration portal).
The 45-day visa-free allowance cannot be extended while inside Vietnam. To reset, exit to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter. Immediate re-entry is permitted; no waiting period required.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Vietnam e-visa approval (if applicable) Recommended
If staying more than 45 days, apply for e-visa at evisa.gov.vn before travel. Print or save the PDF approval. Required only if using e-visa instead of the 45-day visa-free entry.
Required at Entry
Valid Russian passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Minimum 2 blank pages required.
Return or onward ticket Recommended
Recommended. Immigration may ask for proof of departure.
Proof of accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or accommodation address for at least the first nights.
Current Travel Situation
Russia to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam and Russia share a historically strong relationship rooted in Soviet-era military, technical, and economic cooperation. Vietnam was a major recipient of Soviet aid, and thousands of Vietnamese citizens studied in the USSR. This legacy translates into genuine warmth toward Russian visitors. Since 2022, Vietnam has become one of the most visited destinations for Russian tourists globally.
Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province) is the center of Russian tourism in Vietnam. Up to 50% of Russian visitors choose Nha Trang, where signs, menus, and tour materials are routinely published in Russian. Russian bakeries, restaurants, and Russian-speaking staff are common. Da Nang and Phu Quoc are also popular. Vietnam Airlines resumed its direct Hanoi-Moscow (SVO) route in May 2025 after a three-year suspension.
How to Get There
- Vietnam e-visa (90 days): The clearest upgrade from the 45-day exemption. Apply at evisa.gov.vn. USD $25 single / USD $50 multiple entry. Processing 3-7 business days. No embassy visit required
- Visa run (45-day reset): Exit to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter for a fresh 45-day period. No waiting period required since 2022. Popular crossings: Moc Bai (Vietnam-Cambodia, bus from Ho Chi Minh City ~USD $10-15) and Lao Bao (Vietnam-Laos)
- Business/work visa: For stays beyond 90 days, a DN (business) visa sponsored by a Vietnamese company or a work permit visa is required. No digital nomad or retirement visa program exists in Vietnam as of early 2026
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Mir cards: Very limited acceptance. Some Russian-focused businesses in Nha Trang may display Mir signage, but ATM network coverage is not reliable. Do not rely on Mir.
UnionPay: Works at Vietcombank ATMs (approximately 17,000 ATMs nationwide) and at many other major banks. This is the best card option for Russian travelers.
Cash: Bring USD cash as the primary backup. USD is widely exchangeable at money changers (tiem vang, gold shops, offer competitive rates). Do not exchange at airports.
ATM fees: Most ATMs charge 30,000-66,000 VND per withdrawal. Vietcombank ATMs tend to have lower fees. Withdraw larger amounts per transaction to minimize fixed fees.
Practical Tips
- Direct flight option: Vietnam Airlines resumed the Hanoi-Moscow direct route in May 2025. Also look for connections via Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha
- Motorbike traffic: Vietnamese cities have extremely dense motorbike traffic. When crossing streets, walk slowly and steadily at a constant pace so drivers can navigate around you. Use Grab or Be app for safe city transport
- Weather by region: South (Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc): dry November-April. North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): cool and dry October-April. Da Nang: best February-August, avoid September-November (typhoon season)
- Visa run logistics: Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia costs about USD $10-15. Immediate re-entry permitted since 2022
- Food safety: Street food is excellent at busy stalls. Drink bottled water. Nha Trang has wide Russian-friendly restaurant options
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
No, for stays up to 45 days. Russian citizens benefit from a bilateral visa exemption. For stays between 45 and 90 days, a Vietnam e-visa (USD $25 single / USD $50 multiple entry) must be obtained at evisa.gov.vn before arrival.
How long can Russians stay in Vietnam and how can they extend?
The visa-free period is 45 days per entry. For up to 90 days, apply for the e-visa at evisa.gov.vn (USD $25 single / USD $50 multiple, 3-7 day processing). The 45-day exemption cannot be extended inside Vietnam -- to reset it, exit to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter immediately (no waiting period required since 2022). Popular visa run: bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia (~USD $10-15).
Do Russian bank cards work in Vietnam?
Visa and Mastercard issued by Russian banks do not work. Mir card acceptance is unreliable. UnionPay works at Vietcombank ATMs (approximately 17,000 ATMs nationwide) and at many other major banks -- the best option for Russian travelers. Bring USD cash as the primary backup: widely exchangeable at money changers at competitive rates. ATM fees are typically 30,000-66,000 VND per withdrawal.
Are there direct flights from Russia to Vietnam?
Vietnam Airlines resumed its direct Hanoi-Moscow (SVO) route in May 2025 after a three-year suspension. This is the most convenient option. Connecting options via Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), and Bangkok are also available.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam spans a large latitude range with different climates by region. South (Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc): best November to April (dry season) -- this aligns well with Russian winters. North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): cool and dry October to April. Da Nang and central Vietnam: best February to August; avoid September-November (typhoon season). Nha Trang's peak Russian season runs December-March.
Is Nha Trang a good destination for Russian travelers?
Yes -- Nha Trang is the most Russian-friendly city in Vietnam. Up to 50% of Russian visitors to Vietnam choose Nha Trang, where signs, menus, and tour materials are routinely published in Russian (Cyrillic). Russian bakeries, restaurants, and Russian-speaking hotel staff are common. The city offers good beaches, snorkeling day trips, and a relaxed pace. Da Nang and Phu Quoc are growing alternatives with improving Russian-language infrastructure.