Vietnam eVisa for Russian Citizens: Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply in 2026
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Lena VoronovaAuthor
Vietnam has become one of the hottest travel destinations in Southeast Asia, and Russian citizens are in an enviable position when it comes to visiting. Thanks to a generous unilateral visa exemption, Russian passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. For those planning a longer stay, Vietnam also offers a 90-day multiple-entry eVisa that is easy to obtain online. This complete guide covers everything Russian citizens need to know about visiting Vietnam in 2026.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam offers incredible value for money and unforgettable experiences. With Viza, you can instantly check your visa status and start planning your trip.
Russian citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days (extended under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, valid until March 2028)
For longer stays, a 90-day multiple-entry eVisa is available for USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)
eVisa processing time: 4-5 working days
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival
No visa fee for stays under 45 days
Vietnam Visa Options for Russian Citizens: Overview
As of March 2026, Russian citizens have two main entry options for Vietnam:
Dragon Bridge at night, Da Nang
Option
Stay
Entries
Fee
Application
Visa-free entry
Up to 45 days
Multiple
Free
None required
eVisa (single entry)
Up to 90 days
Single
USD 25
Online, 4-5 working days
eVisa (multiple entry)
Up to 90 days
Multiple
USD 50
Online, 4-5 working days
Consular visa
Contact embassy
Single/Multiple
Contact embassy
Embassy, 5-15 working days
Tip: If your trip is 45 days or less, you do not need to apply for anything in advance. Simply arrive with your valid passport. Check your exact requirements on Viza's Russia to Vietnam page.
Busy street life in Ho Chi Minh City
Visa-Free Entry for Russian Citizens
Russia is one of 12 countries that benefit from Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, which was extended on 15 March 2025 and is valid until 14 March 2028. This allows Russian citizens to enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days.
Key Facts About Visa-Free Entry
Maximum stay: 45 days per entry
Entry type: Multiple entry (you can leave and re-enter)
Purpose: Tourism, business, visiting relatives, or any non-employment purpose
Fee: Completely free
Valid until: 14 March 2028 (subject to extension)
Passport requirement: Valid for at least 6 months from arrival
The 45-day visa-free period starts from the date of entry. There is no mandatory gap between visits, meaning you can leave Vietnam and immediately re-enter for another 45-day stay.
What You Need for Visa-Free Entry
Valid Russian passport (at least 6 months validity)
Return or onward flight ticket (immigration may ask to see it)
No additional documents, forms, or registration required
Vietnam eVisa: For Stays Beyond 45 Days
If you plan to stay in Vietnam longer than 45 days, or if you want the security of having a pre-approved visa document, the Vietnam eVisa is the best option. Since August 2023, Vietnam has offered a 90-day eVisa to citizens of all countries, making it one of the most accessible eVisa programs in Southeast Asia.
eVisa Key Details
Detail
Single Entry
Multiple Entry
Maximum stay
90 days
90 days
Entries
Single
Multiple
Fee
USD 25
USD 50
Processing
4-5 working days
4-5 working days
Purpose
Tourism, business, other
Tourism, business, other
Required Documents for Vietnam eVisa
The Vietnam eVisa application requires minimal documentation:
Valid Russian passport — At least 6 months validity from arrival date, with at least one blank page
Passport bio page scan — Clear color scan of the biographical data page (JPEG or PDF)
Digital portrait photo — Recent color photo, straight-facing, no glasses, white or light background (4x6 cm, JPEG format)
No invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation, or proof of funds is required for the eVisa application itself, though immigration officers may ask for accommodation proof upon arrival.
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa: Step by Step
Check your requirements — Visit Viza's Russia to Vietnam page to determine whether you need an eVisa or can enter visa-free
Go to the official eVisa portal — Navigate to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official Vietnamese immigration portal)
Select "Apply for eVisa" — Choose between single-entry or multiple-entry
Fill in the application form — Enter your personal details, passport information, planned entry date, and entry port
Upload your documents — Upload your passport bio page scan and portrait photo
Pay the fee — USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), non-refundable
Save your registration code — Use this to track your application status online
Wait for processing — 4-5 working days (excludes weekends and holidays)
Download and print your eVisa — Once approved, print the eVisa and carry it with your passport
Warning: Only use the official government eVisa portal. Many third-party websites charge inflated fees for the same service. The official fee is USD 25 or USD 50 only. Viza always links you to the correct official channels.
Designated Entry Points for eVisa
Vietnam eVisa holders can enter through designated international border gates, including all major airports:
Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Hai Phong (Cat Bi)
Land borders: Many international land border crossings with China, Laos, and Cambodia are also designated for eVisa entry
Seaports: Several major seaports accept eVisa holders
Phu Quoc Island: 30-Day Visa-Free for All
Vietnam maintains a special 30-day visa-free regime for Phu Quoc Island for citizens of all countries, regardless of whether they have a Vietnamese visa or visa exemption. This applies if you:
Fly directly to Phu Quoc
Stay only on Phu Quoc Island
Depart directly from Phu Quoc without entering mainland Vietnam
For Russian citizens who already have 45-day visa-free access to all of Vietnam, this is mainly useful if you want an additional stay specifically on Phu Quoc.
Fees Summary
Entry Type
Fee
Notes
Visa-free entry (45 days)
Free
No application needed
eVisa single entry (90 days)
USD 25
Non-refundable
eVisa multiple entry (90 days)
USD 50
Non-refundable
Visa on Arrival (stamping)
USD 25-50
Requires pre-arranged approval letter
Consular visa
Contact embassy
5-15 working days at embassy
Viza Service Fee
$5
Practical Tips for Russian Travelers to Vietnam
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD is approximately 25,000-26,000 VND. ATMs are widely available
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season in the south); September to November (central coast); October to April (north)
Direct flights: Direct flights from Moscow to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) are available via Vietnam Airlines, Aeroflot, and charter airlines
Climate: Tropical. Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are particularly popular with Russian tourists during the winter months
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas. Russian is spoken in some resorts popular with Russian tourists, especially in Nha Trang and Mui Ne
SIM cards: Tourist SIMs from Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone are available at airports for about USD 5-10
Bargaining: Expected at markets and with street vendors. Not appropriate in shops with fixed prices
Grab app: The most popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam — download it before your trip
No, not for stays of 45 days or less. Russian citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under the unilateral visa exemption program (valid until March 2028).
What if I want to stay longer than 45 days?
Apply for a Vietnam eVisa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. The fee is USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), with processing taking 4-5 working days.
How much does a Vietnam eVisa cost?
USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry. This fee is paid online during the application and is non-refundable.
What passport validity is required?
Your Russian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam.
Can I leave and re-enter Vietnam on visa-free entry?
Yes. The visa-free arrangement allows multiple entries. Each entry starts a new 45-day period.
Can I work in Vietnam on visa-free entry or eVisa?
No. Employment requires a work permit and appropriate visa category. Neither visa-free entry nor the standard eVisa permits employment in Vietnam.
Plan Your Vietnam Trip with Viza
Vietnam is one of the easiest Southeast Asian destinations for Russian citizens to visit, with generous visa-free entry for short trips and an affordable eVisa for longer stays. Whether you are drawn to the ancient charm of Hoi An, the beaches of Nha Trang, or the vibrant street food scene of Ho Chi Minh City, getting there has never been simpler.
Use Viza to verify your visa requirements, access a personalized document checklist, and start your eVisa application if needed. Viza makes the visa process effortless so you can focus on enjoying Vietnam.
