Russia and Vietnam are actively working to streamline their visa framework in a bid to strengthen ties across a broad spectrum of sectors. This is voiced by Gennady Bezdetko, the Russian Ambassador to Hanoi. DEA News reports highlight a move toward reducing administrative steps and documentation for Vietnamese citizens seeking entry into Russia.
The Russian embassy has proposed simplifying procedures to allow visa issuance based on direct invitations from Russian organizations, enterprises, and firms. These invitations would extend to Vietnamese participants in official meetings and negotiations, as well as those taking part in scientific and cultural events, creative competitions, sports events, and student exchanges. At present, many of these visas are processed through regional units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, a process that can take considerable time and add friction to bilateral exchanges.
The ambassador emphasized that the long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship between the two peoples makes a more accessible visa regime highly desirable. He underscored the importance of this step for expanding tourism and people-to-people contacts, while noting that travel remains constrained by gaps in direct flight connections between the two countries.
Bezdetko expressed optimism that the visa facilitation measure will be resolved soon. He also indicated that if the simplified visa process becomes operational, it could pave the way for the eventual abolition of visa requirements between Vietnam and Russia for certain categories of travelers.
Previously, the Vietnamese government approved an extension of the visa-free stay in Vietnam from 15 days to 45 days for travelers from a select group of countries, including Russia. This development reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen exchanges and simplify cross-border movement for tourists, students, and professionals.