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.

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:
Go to the eVisa website.
Fill out the form: passport details, travel dates, arrival point.
Upload a photo and passport scan.
Pay the fee with a credit card.
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:
Currency: dong, exchange rate – unstable, better to exchange at bank points.
Immigration card: filling it out is required upon entry.
Money: upon entry, the presence of a minimum of $500 per person is checked.
Children: under 14 years old are only allowed with an accompanying adult.
Airport: passport control records the entry date.
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;
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.