Tourism

New visa policies create more opportunities for Vietnam-Russia tourism connections

By MAI DUNG • 02/11/2026 16:13

DNO - Visa-exemption policies, enhanced air connectivity, and destination promotion are fostering greater tourism exchange between Vietnam and Russia, thereby opening up opportunities for travel, cultural exploration and business cooperation between the two countries.

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In April, at Da Nang International Airport, representatives from the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism welcome flight VJ55 from Astana, Kazakhstan, marking the resumption of flights from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to Da Nang in 2026. Photo courtesy of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center.

More flexible visa policies and stronger air connectivity

Recent changes in entry policies, together with the maintenance of direct flight routes, are facilitating tourist flows between Vietnam and Russia.

One notable development is Russia’s one-year pilot visa exemption program which allows Vietnamese ordinary passport holders to enter the country and stay for up to 30 days.

In addition, around 32 direct flights operate between Moscow and Vietnam each week, helping shorten travel times and making trips more convenient for visitors.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has introduced a visa exemption policy allowing Russian citizens to stay for up to 45 days under the Government’s Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, which remains in effect until March 14, 2028.

These abovementioned policies are helping expand travel opportunities, boost visitor exchanges and promote cultural interactions.

According to Ms. Duong Thanh Hang, a representative of Sun Smile Travel Vietnam, the launch of direct flight routes combined with simplified visa procedures make it easier for travelers to plan their trips.

Previously, many tourists tended to book package tours six months to a year in advance. The new policies, however, are creating more favorable conditions for independent travelers, particularly younger people, to organize their own trips.

Cooperation between the two countries is also being strengthened at the government level.

In the Joint Statement issued during the State visit to Russia in September 2026, leaders of the two countries agreed to increase regular and charter flights and simplify travel procedures. They also expressed their intention to work towards visa exemption for ordinary passport holders.

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The first flight from Vladivostok, Russia, carrying 220 passengers, lands at Da Nang International Airport. Photo: XUAN SON/DNRT

Moscow steps up promotion and diversifies tourism products

Apart from efforts to improve travel conditions, Moscow is focusing on developing tourism infrastructure and enhancing visitor experiences through digital platforms.

Notably, the city’s tourism promotion platform, Discover Moscow, has launched a Vietnamese-language version, providing information on attractions, suggested itineraries, seasonal experiences and useful travel tips.

The platform also serves as a useful resource for travel companies in developing tour packages and advising customers.

According to Hong Hoa, a representative of TransViet Travel, a familiarization trip to Moscow revealed considerable potential for attracting Vietnamese visitors.

The city offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from three- and four-star hotels to high-end properties, as well as a well-developed public transport network and services catering to international tourists.

Beyond its infrastructure advantages, Moscow also appeals to visitors with its rich history, distinctive architecture and iconic landmarks.

With positive developments in visa policies, air connectivity and destination promotion, tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is gaining fresh momentum.

Continued efforts to diversify products, enhance service quality, and strengthen business-to-business ties are expected to boost two-way visitor traffic, effectively unlocking the potential of both markets.

Moscow, the Russian capital, is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Vietnamese travelers. In 2025, the city welcomed more than 42,000 Vietnamese visitors, up 17% year-on-year. In the first half of 2026, it received 21,000 visitors from Vietnam, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.

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