Under a decree published on October 12, Vietnamese citizens will be able to enter Russia without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for tourism, private visits or business.
The decree was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It lists the cases in which Vietnamese citizens may enter and stay in Russia without a visa for no more than 30 days, Interfax reports.
The rule applies to holders of ordinary Vietnamese passports who travel to Russia for tourism, visits to relatives, business trips, participation in scientific, cultural, political and social activities, economic activities, sporting events or transit through Russian territory. The visa-free regime will be in force from October 15 to October 15, 2027.
The rule does not apply to Vietnamese citizens entering Russia for work, including journalists, or to those arriving to study or reside there long term.
Earlier, on September 9, during a state visit to Russia, Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the meeting, To Lam welcomed President Putin's positive consideration of visa-free travel for Vietnamese citizens.
The two leaders said that education and training, as well as people-to-people contacts, have special importance for preserving and developing the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia. The sides agreed to strengthen the training of highly qualified personnel and expand links between universities and research institutions.
The two leaders also agreed to further develop cooperation in culture, the arts, sports and tourism, make it easier for citizens of both countries to travel, study, work and engage in tourism, and expand humanitarian exchanges.
Sources: Thanh Niên
