Citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will be able to travel to Russia without a visa under a temporary procedure. The regime applies from 15 October 2026 through 15 October 2027 and permits a stay of up to 30 days when the purpose of travel falls within the listed categories. The legal basis is Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation No. 730 of 12 October 2026.

Who can use the temporary visa-free regime

The new procedure applies to citizens of Vietnam. It is intended for Vietnamese travellers planning a private visit, a business trip, tourism, participation in scientific, cultural, political, economic or sporting events, or transit through Russia followed by departure from the country.

This is a visa-free entry procedure, not an electronic visa. If you are not a Vietnamese citizen, or if your travel purpose is not among those listed, the announcement does not set out an alternative route. Check the applicable requirements with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), or the Russian consulate responsible for your place of application.

Dates and maximum length of stay

The temporary regime starts on 15 October 2026 and remains in force through 15 October 2027. Your planned entry and departure dates should fall within this period. The permitted duration of stay is up to 30 days.

The published information does not explain how the 30-day period is counted in individual cases or what rules apply if a traveller needs to remain longer. Do not assume that an extension, repeat entry or another status is available. Before travelling, compare your itinerary with the official text of Decree No. 730 and seek confirmation from the MFA, MVD or the relevant Russian consulate if needed.

What to check before travelling to Russia

Before departure, first confirm that you hold Vietnamese citizenship and that the actual purpose of your trip matches one of the permitted categories. For example, a private visit and tourism are named in the decree announcement, as are business travel and participation in the specified events.

You should also verify the entry requirements that are not described in the published announcement. These include the documents that must be presented at the border and any requirements connected with your particular route or situation. The notice does not specify border documents, the country from which a person may travel, or the method of confirmation for a stated travel purpose; these points must be checked with an official Russian authority or the relevant consulate.

Entry, transit and departure

The temporary procedure covers entry into Russia, a stay of up to 30 days, transit through Russian territory and subsequent departure. A traveller using Russia as a transit country should ensure that their journey includes onward departure within the permitted period.

At the border, travellers should be ready to explain their travel purpose consistently with the visa-free categories. However, the available material does not list a required document package, forms or specific border procedures. Check the current instructions of the MFA, MVD or the Russian consulate before departure rather than relying on assumptions based on other Russian visa or entry routes.

Steps after arrival in Russia

The decree announcement confirms the right to enter and stay under the temporary visa-free procedure, but it does not describe post-arrival formalities. In particular, it does not state whether, when or how a foreign national must complete migration registration after arrival.

If you will stay with family, in rented accommodation, at a hotel or at property connected with your trip, confirm the applicable post-arrival rules with the MVD or another competent official authority. The published information also does not provide separate rules for travellers connected to Russia through children, relatives or property ownership. Those circumstances should be verified individually before or after arrival through official channels.

Что проверить

  • Confirm that the traveller is a citizen of Vietnam.
  • Check that the purpose is a private visit, business trip, tourism, a listed event, or transit with onward departure.
  • Plan entry and departure between 15 October 2026 and 15 October 2027.
  • Keep the intended stay within the maximum of 30 days.
  • Read the official text of Presidential Decree No. 730 of 12 October 2026 before travel.
  • Ask the Russian MFA, MVD or relevant consulate which border documents and post-arrival steps apply in your case.
  • Check migration-registration requirements after arrival with the competent authority.