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How long can you stay in Vietnam without a visa?

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Traveling to Asia starts with analyzing the entry conditions. Regardless of the purpose – leisure, work, or crossing the country in transit – the length of stay determines permissible actions and risks. Understanding how long you can stay in Vietnam without a visa helps avoid fines, deportation, and subsequent entry restrictions. The entry system to the country is simple but requires attention to deadlines and details.

How Long Can You Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa: Current Parameters and Entry Conditions

The right to visa-free entry is based on agreements between countries. The specific period depends on nationality. The entry system provides for two scenarios: short-term entry without a visa and an electronic format for extending the period if necessary.

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Visa-free regime allows staying in Vietnam for a limited number of days without submitting an application and obtaining visa documents. When crossing the border at the airport, the entry date is recorded, from which the period of permissible stay is counted. Violations lead to monetary penalties upon exit and possible refusal on the next entry attempt.

Conditions for Russian Citizens

The most relevant question is the permissible length of stay. The answer depends on nationality and the purpose of the visit. In 2025, the system continues to use standard time intervals for short-term tourism.

For Russian citizens:

  • visa-free regime allows staying in Vietnam for up to 45 calendar days;

  • re-entry is possible after leaving for a minimum of 30 days;
  • extension of the visa-free period is not provided – it is necessary to leave the country or obtain a visa.

In addition, this rule applies only if you have a passport with sufficient validity – at least 6 months at the time of entry.

Other Important Considerations?

Each border crossing requires strict compliance with a basic set of requirements. Mistakes during border control can lead to entry refusal.

Mandatory admission conditions:

  • passport for entry, valid for at least 180 days;

  • confirmation of a return or onward ticket;

  • clear indication of the purpose of stay: tourism, business trip, transit;

  • residential address or hotel reservation.

Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if the purpose of the visit is tourist stay within 45 days. However, the conditions regulating how long you can stay in Vietnam without a visa require strict compliance with all formalities.

E-Visa to Vietnam: Solution for Extended Travel

The visa-free period is limited to 45 days. If you need to extend your stay, tourists can use an alternative – an electronic visa. This document provides more flexibility in terms and routes.

E-visa to Vietnam allows:

  • obtaining permission to stay for up to 90 days;

  • the right to multiple entries;

  • choose any start date within 30 days after application submission.

The application is submitted through an online system, where an online application with passport and photo upload is processed. The average processing time is 3-5 business days. Payment is made in advance, and the fee varies depending on the number of entries.

Applying for an Electronic Visa to Vietnam: Step-by-Step Guide

The procedure for obtaining entry permission is simplified to a minimum. The application process is done without intermediaries, independently.

Tourists need to:

  1. Go to the eVisa website.

  2. Fill out the form: passport details, travel dates, arrival point.

  3. Upload a photo and passport scan.

  4. Pay the fee with a credit card.

  5. Receive confirmation via email and print it out.

The process takes no more than 20 minutes. The document is presented at the airport or border crossing.

Additional Aspects: Currency, Card, Children, Border

The length of stay is just part of the overall regulations. A traveler who learns how long they can stay in Vietnam without a visa must also consider financial and practical nuances:

  1. Currency: dong, exchange rate – unstable, better to exchange at bank points.

  2. Immigration card: filling it out is required upon entry.

  3. Money: upon entry, the presence of a minimum of $500 per person is checked.

  4. Children: under 14 years old are only allowed with an accompanying adult.

  5. Airport: passport control records the entry date.

  6. Border: land crossing is limited in terms of entry points.

Border guards may request a hotel reservation, itinerary, and insurance. Violating the terms incurs a monetary fine and a ban on entry for up to 3 years.

Advantages and Limitations: What to Expect from the Trip

When planning a vacation or extended trip, a tourist analyzes the pros and cons. The visa-free regime is convenient but requires discipline.

Advantages:

  • direct flights, simple border procedures;

  • extended visa-free stay;

  • accessibility of resorts, high level of infrastructure.

Limitations:

  • no extension of the visa-free period;

  • mandatory possession of a return ticket;

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  • full compliance with the immigration regime is required.

Conclusion

So, traveling to Vietnam without a visa is a simple and convenient way to spend a vacation, but only if you strictly adhere to the established deadlines and rules. If you plan to stay longer, an electronic visa will be a necessary step. Understanding all these nuances in advance not only eliminates any risks but also guarantees you a carefree and pleasant stay in this amazing country.

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Packing for a trip means playing by the rules of the airline. From precise dimensions to the composition of the bag — everything is under control. To avoid extra expenses and questions during security check, it is important to clarify in advance what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane and pack only the permissible items. Studying the regulations once can save you tens of euros and hours of travel time.

Under the Seat Dimensions: Where the Boundary of Permissible Lies

The standard for most airlines for carry-on luggage is dimensions within 55×40×20 cm. Such size fits in the overhead bin and under the front seat.

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Low-cost carriers have stricter requirements: Ryanair limits the dimensions to 40×20×25 cm — even a laptop in a separate case raises questions.

The size of carry-on luggage often affects the fare: the cheapest packages only allow a small backpack that does not exceed the dimensions of the under-seat space.

Anything exceeding the permissible dimensions is sent to checked baggage or charged as excess baggage.

Weight Control of Carry-On Luggage

Most carriers limit the weight of carry-on luggage to 7–10 kg. Emirates allows 7 kg, Lufthansa — 8 kg, and Turkish Airlines — 8 kg + 4 kg for an additional bag.

Passengers who exceed the limit risk paying up to 60 euros for a few extra kilograms. To save money, it is recommended to weigh your suitcase or backpack in advance and use portable scales.

Among the regulations is only one item allowed in hand. Additional gadgets, electronics, or items from duty-free may fall under the category of excess baggage. Even 200 grams over — and it starts being registered as paid baggage.

Prohibited Items in Carry-On Luggage

Metal forks, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, aerosols, razors with open blades — confiscation of such items occurs regularly.

The absolute ban includes:

  • sharp and cutting objects of any length (including pocket knives);
  • large liquids — bottles over 100 ml (including water, shampoo, lotion);
  • gas canisters, diving cylinders, and camping stoves;
  • sports equipment (barbell bars, bats, clubs);
  • self-balancing devices (hoverboards, Segways);
  • lithium-ion batteries over 100 Wh without carrier’s permission.

In 2023, Dubai Airport confiscated 14 tons of prohibited items in just May. The reason — non-compliance with safety standards and careless attitude towards instructions.

Liquids, Medications, Baby Items: Rules of Leniency

Liquids in carry-on luggage are allowed, but with restrictions. The maximum volume of one bottle is 100 ml, all products — in a transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter.

Exceptions include medications, baby food, formulas, and infant water. With a prescription or a child present — transportation in the necessary volume is allowed.

Important: at security check, you are required to show everything that flows, foams, or sprays. Even expensive cosmetics with altered volume may end up in the trash.

What can be taken in the aircraft cabin when it comes to children: formulas, diapers, creams, bottles — without restrictions. The main thing is to pack transparently and present upon request.

Electronics and Devices: Permissible Limits

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane when it comes to electronic devices directly depends on power and compactness. Allowed: smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-reader, headphones, mouse, charger.

Each device undergoes separate X-ray screening. In some airports, you are required to remove all electronics from the bag or suitcase and place them in a separate tray.

Portable chargers (Power Bank) are allowed in the cabin — with a power of up to 100 Wh. Up to 160 Wh — with airline approval. Above that — strictly prohibited.

The same rules apply to cameras and camcorders. It is safer to pack the equipment in a soft case and not exceed the weight limits of carry-on luggage.

Special Categories: Sports, Health, Children

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane in non-standard situations, such as sports, medical treatment, or traveling with a child? The answer depends on the regulations of the specific carrier.

For sports: compact items are allowed — heart rate monitors, swimming goggles, headlamps. Sports nutrition — in factory packaging and up to 100 ml in volume.

Medications — in original packaging. Liquid forms (drops, sprays, injections) are transported with a prescription or medical certificate. Syringes require explanations and supporting documents.

Children’s items — are subject to lenient conditions. Allowed: formula, water bottle, toys, diapers, wipes. Most airlines do not count this set towards the total carry-on limit.

Financial Aspect: When Carry-On Luggage Becomes an Expense

Violation of transportation parameters often leads to payment. A case in Frankfurt Airport: a passenger paid €75 for an additional bag weighing 9.2 kg with a limit of 8 kg. The cost of excess baggage varies: Ryanair — from €20, Wizz Air — from €35, Lufthansa — up to €100 depending on the destination.

To save money, people practice:

  • selecting a tariff with carry-on luggage included in advance;
  • using lightweight suitcases or backpacks made of modern materials;
  • transferring heavy items to clothing pockets (within the permissible limits);
  • moving some items to duty-free bags if the rules allow.

A thoughtful preparation for the flight eliminates unplanned expenses at the packing stage. A competent approach to forming carry-on luggage allows you to avoid additional charges and save your budget.

From Check-In to Boarding: Where Checks Are Conducted and How to Act

The first stage is check-in. Often, staff visually assess the dimensions of the bag and, if in doubt, suggest inserting it into a sizer. If it doesn’t fit — it goes as checked baggage for a fee. During security check, the contents are inspected: scanned for liquids, prohibited items, and devices exceeding the power limit.

During boarding, some airlines additionally collect oversized bags when the plane is fully loaded — they are sent to the baggage compartment for free or for a fee (depending on the fare).

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane to avoid troubles: only what is allowed, verified, and in compliance with the regulations.

What Can Be Taken in Carry-On Luggage on the Plane

The list of permitted items is limited not by name, but by parameters. It is important to consider the capacity, dimensions, and necessity of using each item during the flight.

The allowed set includes:

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  • documents, money, bank cards;
  • mobile phones, tablets, laptops, headphones;
  • cameras and cameras without tripods;
  • chargers and Power Banks up to 100 Wh;
  • odorless food and liquids (sandwiches, nuts, bars);
  • medications, vitamins, sprays — up to 100 ml in packaging;
  • books, magazines, notepads;
  • light outerwear, blankets, accessories;
  • small souvenirs and gifts;
  • purse, briefcase, or compact backpack as a personal item.

Even in this list, there are pitfalls. For example, a Power Bank above the permissible volume requires approval from the airline.

What Can Be Taken in Carry-On Luggage on the Plane: Clear Boundaries

Understanding the limitations provides freedom of movement. Strict compliance with the norms is a guarantee of peace at security and comfort during the flight. What can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane is not a list of prohibitions, but a set of possibilities. Everything that meets the parameters and rules becomes a reliable companion on every journey.

A budget holiday is not inferior to an expensive one if you choose the right place to stay. Inexpensive hotels in Vietnam offer an amazing combination of price, comfort and high service. Tourists get access to four-star facilities without spending too much. Proper booking allows you to enjoy the sea, excursions and gastronomy while keeping the main budget for impressions.

Why you should pay attention to cheap hotels in Vietnam

Inexpensive hotels in Vietnam create conditions for a full-fledged holiday thanks to a good location, high level of service and well-thought-out infrastructure. Strong competition in the market forces hotels to offer the best quality for reasonable money. Guests receive clean rooms, free breakfasts, swimming pools and fitness rooms as a standard package.

Budget holidays in Vietnam are available all year round: mild climate, low domestic prices and developed tourist infrastructure work for the traveller. Hotels maintain a high rating thanks to reviews on booking platforms, where comfort, breakfast, service and convenience of location are evaluated.

Best cheap hotels in Vietnam for a comfortable holiday

Before choosing, it is important to consider not only the price but also the quality of services, rating, reviews, transport accessibility and features of the beach or city centre. Below is a list of popular options where cheap hotels in Vietnam combine reasonable cost and good conditions:

  1. RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa. The hotel is located a few minutes from Hoi An Old Town. The average room rate is around $40 per night. Guests have access to two swimming pools, free shuttle service to the beach, hearty breakfasts and spa services. Tourists note the quietness, quality of housekeeping and attention of the staff.
  2. Mulberry Collection Silk Village. This option is suitable for those planning to explore Hoi An and the surrounding area. The mesmerising grounds with gardens, spacious rooms and free bicycles for guests create a cosy atmosphere. Accommodation starts from $50 per night.
  3. Monarque Hotel. One of Vietnam’s best budget hotels in Da Nang. The luxurious breakfast, indoor pool, gym and proximity to the beach make it ideal for travellers. The average price is $45. Travellers praise the value for money and cleanliness.
  4. Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa. Another example of perfect service in Hoi An. The hotel has stylish rooms, a small spa, swimming pool and free breakfast. The price ranges from $35 to $45. Special attention is paid to interior design in traditional Vietnamese style.
  5. Flamingo Cat Ba Resorts. For nature lovers, the Flamingo on Cat Ba Island is perfect. Pools overlooking the bay, large bright rooms, access to nature and excursions create a unique environment. Rooms start from $55 per night.
  6. Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi. The complex is located in the centre of Hanoi, ideal for exploring the capital city. Budget rooms from $30 include breakfast, fast Wi-Fi and personalised service.
  7. Little Residence A Boutique Hotel & Spa. The ideal place for a quiet holiday. Comfortable rooms, swimming pool, free breakfasts and personalised service. Overnight stay costs about $35-40.
  8. Vinh Hung Emerald Resort. Another popular option in Hoi An with a large pool and private beach. Breakfasts are included in the price, as is bike hire. Reviews emphasise the excellent location and quality of food.
  9. Pandanus Resort. Located in Mui Ne, famous for its beaches and kite surfing. Direct access to the sea, a wide range of entertainment and cosy rooms priced from $50 make it attractive for active tourists.
  10. La Jolie Hotel & Spa in Nha Trang is high on service and reasonably priced at around $40 per night. Ocean-view rooms, varied breakfasts and walking distance to the beach make holidays a pleasure.

Advantages of budget accommodation in Vietnam

Cheap hotels in Vietnam are no longer a compromise option. They have become a full-fledged part of the tourist ecosystem, where you can get maximum comfort and experience for reasonable money. The level of service in such hotels is constantly growing under the pressure of competition, reviews and the development of domestic tourism.

Today, many complexes offer conditions comparable to the level of four-star complexes in other Southeast Asian countries. Clean spacious rooms, daily housekeeping, breakfasts with local cuisine, rooftop pools, fitness rooms, free shuttle service to the beach or city centre – all this is becoming the standard rather than the exception.

A budget holiday doesn’t just save money on accommodation. It frees up funds for experiences: boat trips, trips to ancient cities, cookery masterclasses and handmade souvenirs. Staying in an inexpensive but good hotel in Vietnam allows you to invest in emotions and create a rich programme without the risk of overspending your budget.

How to choose the best among cheap hotels in Vietnam

When planning a trip, cheap accommodation should be chosen not only by price, but also by many other factors that directly affect the quality of the holiday. Inexpensive hotels in Vietnam differ in the level of comfort, and a competent approach to the choice helps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Key factors:

  1. Location. Hotels in the city centre are suitable for active tourists who plan sightseeing, night walks and shopping. Beachside accommodation is ideal for those who want to focus on relaxing by the sea, strolling along the seafront and playing water sports. Accommodation near transport hubs is an important advantage for independent travellers planning excursions to different parts of the country.

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  2. Tourist Reviews. Independent evaluations help to understand the real state of affairs in the hotel: cleanliness, quality of breakfasts, comfort of beds, noise level in the area. Recommendations of previous guests often reveal nuances that cannot be learnt from official descriptions.

  3. Services and amenities. It is important to pay attention to additional services included in the room rate: availability of a swimming pool, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness centre, possibility of late check-out. Availability of these offers helps to save on additional costs and make your holiday more comfortable.

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  4. Rating on booking sites. Reliable budget hotels in Vietnam are consistently rated above 8 points. A high rating indicates a systematic quality of service and trust from guests.

  5. Transport accessibility. The proximity to bus stops, train stations, tourist offices or rental offices allows you to organise independent excursions and travel without overpaying.

Conclusion

Cheap hotels in Vietnam open the way to a rich, comfortable and affordable holiday without overpaying. With the right choice, you can maximise your experience at a reasonable cost. Travellers who choose accommodation wisely not only save money, but also have an unforgettable experience in one of the most hospitable countries in Southeast Asia.