Russia and Vietnam Launch New Visa Waiver Programs
Russia granted Vietnamese citizens visa-free entry while Vietnam launched a pilot visa waiver for Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa province.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on October 12, 2026, granting Vietnamese citizens visa-free entry into Russia for stays of up to 30 consecutive days. The policy, which took effect on October 15, remains valid until October 15, 2027. The exemption applies to tourists, business travelers, and those attending scientific, cultural, or sports events, but excludes individuals traveling for employment, study, or long-term residence.
This decision followed talks between Putin and Vietnamese President Tô Lâm in early September to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development projects that tourist flows will reach 1.5 million visits by the end of 2026, while the Association of Tour Operators of Russia forecasts at least a 30 percent increase in Vietnamese arrivals.
Simultaneously, the Government of Vietnam implemented Resolution No. 325/NQ-CP on October 12, launching a pilot visa exemption scheme for Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa province. Effective through December 31, 2027, the program allows Chinese ordinary passport holders traveling in groups of at least two to visit the province without visas, provided they book all-inclusive tours and travel via Cam Ranh International Airport. This initiative is part of the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-2027 and aims to leverage China as Vietnam's largest source market for international arrivals.
