Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa to travel to Russia?
If you’re a citizen of Vietnam traveling with a regular passport, you’ll need a visa to enter Russia for tourism, business, or other purposes.
I’ll explain your options and the process below.
Visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens
Unlike holders of diplomatic or service passports (who enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days), regular passport holders from Vietnam must apply for a visa before traveling to Russia.
There are two possible options:
✅ Electronic visa (eVisa) — valid for 30 days, available online
✅ Regular visa — valid for longer stays or multiple-entry trips
Electronic visa (eVisa)
As a Vietnamese citizen, you’re eligible for the unified electronic visa, which allows you to enter Russia once for up to 30 days.
Some key points:
- Apply online at https://evisa.kdmid.ru/
- Valid for tourism, business, humanitarian, cultural, or sports visits
- No invitation or hotel booking needed
- You’ll receive your visa by email (PDF) to print or carry digitally
- Entry allowed at official border checkpoints only
- You must apply at least 4 days before your trip, but can do so up to 86 days in advance
👉 I’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you with the process here.
📝 Important: if your trip exceeds 30 days or you need multiple entries, you must apply for a regular visa instead.
Regular visa for Vietnam citizens
The regular visa is a sticker attached to your passport and can be issued for:
- Tourism (up to 30 days)
- Business
- Private visit
- Study
- Work
- Transit
To apply, you’ll need:
✅ A valid passport (expiring at least 6 months after your visa ends)
✅ A visa support letter or invitation — get it here
✅ Travel insurance (not mandatory for Vietnam, but highly recommended) — buy it here
✅ Completed application form at https://visa.kdmid.ru/
You must submit your application at a Russian consulate or visa center — check locations and process here.
Travel insurance for Vietnam citizens
While it’s not mandatory for Vietnamese citizens to have travel insurance to obtain a Russian visa, I highly recommend it. Medical care in Russia can be costly if something unexpected happens.
👉 Get a policy accepted by Russian authorities here.
Other travel requirements
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll need to:
- Fill out an immigration card and keep it until departure — details here.
- Register your stay within 7 working days if staying at a private address — info here.
Final tips
✔️ Always check the latest entry conditions on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
✔️ Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your visa expires.
✔️ Plan ahead to avoid delays — processing times may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Russia?
👉 Yes, a visa is required with a regular passport.
Can I use the eVisa?
👉 Yes, for stays up to 30 days and for tourism, business, cultural, or humanitarian purposes.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
👉 No, but it’s strongly recommended.
Do I need an invitation for a regular visa?
👉 Yes, you need a visa support letter (invitation) for most visa types.