Russian Federation → Vietnam

Russian citizens may stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days from the date of entry — regardless of purpose, if ordinary entry conditions are met. Officers usually want about six months left on the passport.

If you need up to 90 days, apply for an e-visa in advance on the official site evisa.gov.vn (not on reseller copies): about USD 25 single-entry or USD 50 multiple-entry, several working days to process. The 45-day visa-free stay cannot be extended inside the country.

The 45 visa-free days are counted from the stamp date. You must leave before that window ends. To “reset” visa-free stay, people exit to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter — there is no formal waiting period, but officers watch how often you do this.

An e-visa gives up to 90 days if you obtained it before departure. Do not mix regimes: if you entered visa-free, you stay visa-free.

The hotel or hostel files your details with the police, usually on the day you check in. The desk may take the passport for a short time — that is normal; ask for a copy if you go into town.

If you rent a flat, the landlord handles registration. Without it, police in tourist areas may ask questions. Keep the arrival card or electronic declaration until you fly out.

The dong (VND). ATMs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City dispense dong on international cards; Russian cards often fail — bring cash USD and change it at bureaux with a posted rate.

Small notes are useful for street food and xe om. Large hotels and supermarkets take cards. Do not change money “from the hand” near tourist bridges.

Direct flights from Russia are few and seasonal. A common path is a connection in Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Guangzhou or Bangkok to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

Domestic Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo flights are cheap if booked early. Border officers may check a ticket out of Vietnam.

Hanoi: the Old Quarter is noisy, West Lake is calmer. Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 is pricier and touristy, D3 and Binh Thanh are quieter. Book housing that registers foreigners.

A homestay works for a week; for a month, monthly rent through locals is better value. Mosquito nets and air-conditioning are sleep hygiene, not extras.

Pho, banh mi, goi cuon, iced coffee. Take street food where locals queue. Ice in tourist spots is usually from filtered water, but ease your stomach in gradually.

Heat and fish sauce (nuoc mam): say “không cay” in advance if you are travelling with children. Bottled water every day.

Motorbikes and crossings without lights are the main risk. Keep a child by the hand at the kerb. The sun is harsh: a hat, SPF, breaks in air-conditioning.

Large cities have international clinics. Discuss routine vaccines and hepatitis A with a paediatrician before you fly. Wide promenades are easier with a stroller than Hanoi’s Old Quarter.