Russians do not need a visa for Vietnam for stays of up to 45 days. If you need longer, there is a 90-day e-Visa for $25. Both options, payment and the pitfalls at the border.
Vietnam is a rare case where entry really is simple: almost a month and a half without a visa and any purpose of travel. And if that is not enough, a 90-day electronic visa is issued in a couple of days and costs less than dinner in Hanoi. Let’s look at which option to choose when, and where Russians usually stumble.
Visa-free entry: 45 days
Russian citizens do not need a visa if the trip does not exceed 45 days. An important detail: there is no restriction on the purpose of the trip — the visa-free regime works for tourism, business visits and visiting friends alike.
The period is counted from the date of entry. The date by which you must leave the country is stamped in your passport — go by that. The regime is not a one-off: it has been extended at least until March 15, 2028, so you can safely plan a trip a year ahead.
Mandatory: the electronic arrival card
This is the main change of 2026, and far from everyone knows about it. Since April 15, 2026, every foreigner, including those entering visa-free, must fill in an electronic arrival card on the official portal.
- The form is submitted no earlier than 72 hours before arrival — earlier than that, the system will not accept the application.
- You give your passport details, flight and address of stay.
- The result is a QR code, which you show at passport control.
In theory you can fill it in at the airport, but the Wi-Fi there is unreliable and the queue at the checkpoint will not wait. Do it the day before your flight and save the QR code both as a screenshot and on paper.
The 90-day electronic visa (e-Visa)
If 45 days is not enough, you apply for an e-Visa. The procedure is entirely online and you do not need to visit a consulate.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Validity | 90 days |
| Single entry | $25 |
| Multiple entry | $50 |
| Processing time | 3 business days (in practice 3–5, that is 4–6 calendar days) |
A multiple-entry e-Visa is convenient if you are building a route with trips out to Cambodia or Laos and returns to Vietnam — you will not have to apply for a new one.
The pitfall: paying with a Russian card
This is the main practical problem. Payment for the e-Visa goes through an international payment gateway, and cards from Russian banks do not work there — not Visa, not Mastercard, not Mir.
Options:
- a card issued abroad (Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, etc.);
- payment through acquaintances abroad;
- intermediary services — they charge a fee but remove the problem.
Allow time for this. Finding out that the payment is not going through two days before your flight is a bad scenario.
What you need at the border: a checklist
- A passport valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry.
- The electronic arrival card QR code — mandatory since April 15, 2026, including for visa-free entry.
- A return ticket or a ticket to a third country within the permitted period.
- A printout of the e-Visa if you are traveling on one. The electronic visa is checked by its code, but a paper copy removes any questions.
- Proof of accommodation — a booking for at least the first nights.
Proof of funds is asked for very rarely.
If 45 days is not enough: three scenarios
- Get an e-Visa in advance — the calmest option if you are planning two or three months from the start.
- A visa run. After 45 days, leave for Cambodia or Laos and re-enter, getting a fresh 45 days. The method works and is common.
- A combination. Enter visa-free and, before the period ends, apply for an e-Visa online without leaving. Check the current rules on changing status — they change from time to time.
When a visa is definitely required
| Situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| A vacation of up to 45 days | Nothing, visa-free |
| A trip of 46–90 days | An e-Visa |
| Longer than 90 days | A regular visa or an extension on site |
| Work, study | The relevant visa and permits |
Frequently asked questions
Are the 45 days calendar days?
Yes, consecutive, including the day of entry. The stamp in your passport shows the final date — it is the only guide that counts.
Can I enter visa-free several times in a row?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of entries for Russians. But with frequent consecutive visa runs, border officers start asking about where you actually live — be prepared to explain your route.
Do I need insurance?
There is no mandatory requirement. Given that many tourists in Vietnam rent a motorbike, insurance that covers accidents on a two-wheeler is not superfluous (and check whether your policy covers riding a motorbike without a category A license).
Do Russian cards work in Vietnam?
No. Bring cash — dollars can be exchanged all over the country. Street food costs next to nothing, but you will not be able to withdraw money with a Russian card. More in the article on money in Vietnam.
What happens if I overstay?
A fine that grows with the number of days and the risk of an entry ban. An overstay in Vietnam is processed right at the airport, but the procedure takes time — you could miss your flight.
What’s next
Entry is simple — planning is harder: the country stretches 1,600 km, and the seasons in the north and south do not coincide. Take a look at the ready-made routes in Vietnam and read about safety and motorbikes.
Sources
- Entry rules and the visa-free regime for Vietnam
- The Vietnam e-Visa: application, price, timing
- New entry rules for Vietnam from April 15, 2026: the electronic arrival card
- The 45-day visa-free regime extended to March 15, 2028
Visa-free stay periods and e-Visa prices change. Before your trip, check the official Vietnam e-visa portal and the embassy website.
