# Russia expansion of visa-free travel policies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-expansion-of-visa-free-travel-policies
> Updated: 2026-10-25T13:17:27.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-and-china-see-50-increase-in-mutual-tourism

### 2026-10-17: 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.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-implements-visa-waiver-for-vietnamese-citizens

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Cite as: Russia expansion of visa-free travel policies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-expansion-of-visa-free-travel-policies