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2 clusters · 6 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Russia expansion of visa-free travel policies

Overview

Russia has implemented several measures to expand visa-free entry for foreign citizens to bolster tourism and bilateral relations.

In mid-October 2026, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting Vietnamese citizens with ordinary passports visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This policy, effective through October 2027, covers tourism, business, and various social or sporting events, though it excludes labor, journalism, and study. Experts anticipate a significant increase in Vietnamese visitors due to existing flight connectivity.

Separately, mutual tourism between Russia and China has seen a 50% increase following reciprocal visa-free regimes. While China introduced a 12-month regime for Russians in September 2025, Russia responded with its own measures in December. Both nations have extended these arrangements until the end of 2027, with President Putin expressing interest in making these policies permanent.

Entities

Vladimir Putin · Russia · China · Vietnam · Xi Jinping

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia and China see 50% increase in mutual tourism

    Visa-free travel policies have driven a 50% increase in mutual tourism between Russia and China, with both nations extending the current regime through late 2027.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Russia implements visa waiver for Vietnamese citizens

    Russia will allow Vietnamese ordinary passport holders to enter visa-free for up to 30 days from October 15, 2026, to October 15, 2027, for tourism, business, and transit.

Sources

cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn · soha.vn · sputnikglobe.com · sputniknews.cn · thanhnien.vn