From 2020, the number of foreign arrivals in Vietnam has rapidly dropped, driven by the Covid 19 outbreak. In order to stop the spread of the deadly virus, countries around the world have put some travel restrictions in place. Vietnam, on their part, has stopped the issuance of visas, both e-visa and visa on arrival, in order to prevent foreign visits. Last March 2020, Vietnam has reported a number of coronavirus cases and most of these came from abroad.

Thankfully, the world is now trying to go back to normal. Some countries have reported a decrease in the number of Covid 19 cases and are now opening their borders once again. Vietnam has also opened the visa issuance. Thus, for Russians who are planning to go to Vietnam for a holiday, now is the time to apply for your visas. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Vietnam visa for citizens of Russia.

Do Russian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Russians are among those citizens who are part of the visa waiver program of Vietnam. This means that they are able to enter Vietnam visa-free. But take note that you will only be allowed to stay within a limited number of days. For Russian citizens, the visa waiver is only good for 15 days. Also, the Vietnam Immigration requires them to have a visa if they plan to re-enter the country within 30 days of their last visit.

So if you intend to stay in Vietnam for longer than 15 days, then you might as well get a Vietnam visa. In fact, applying for a visa to Vietnam is now so easy for Russians. You will have two options for your visa. One is the e-visa, which will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days. Another is the visa on arrival, which lets you choose between 30-day and 90-day visits.

Both visas are easy to apply. In fact, the e-visa can only be done online and will only take a few minutes of your time. As for the visa on arrival, it requires you to apply for a pre-approval letter. But once you have the letter, you can just claim the visa sticker at the airport when you arrive.

How Can Russian Citizens Apply for the Vietnam E-visa?

If you wanted a convenient way of getting a visa to Vietnam, the e-visa is highly recommended. As mentioned, this visa can easily be applied online. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Go online and fill out the visa application form. Make sure you type your details correctly and review them before you proceed.
2. Next, upload a scanned copy of the biographical page of your Russian passport. You also need to submit digital copies of passport-sized photos in jpeg format. These must be recently taken and in white background. Photo Guide.
3. Then get your card to pay for the processing fee. It’s also possible to pay with your PayPal account. Submit the payment and wait for a confirmation in your email.
4. In about 3 business days, you’ll get an email regarding your e-visa status. Download a copy of the e-visa and print it. This is what you’ll use to enter Vietnam.

How Can Russian Citizens Apply for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival

For Russians who need to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, the visa on arrival is a better option. And although you’ll get the visa upon arrival in Vietnam, this type of visa would require you to register ahead of time. Here’s how to do it.

1. First, go online and fill out a form to register. Enter your complete name and other important details.
2. Wait for an email for your pre-approval letter. Once you receive the letter, print it and bring it on your trip to the country.
3. As you disembark from your flight, look for the visa landing counter. Give your pre-approval letter, passport and the application form that you need to fill out. Pay for the stamping fee of around $25. For this, you can pay in cash either in the US dollar or Vietnam currency.
4. Wait for your name to be called. Once the officer calls your name, claim your passport at the counter. Check the passport and you’ll find the visa sticker in it.
5. Proceed to Passport Control and you will now be allowed to enter the country.

Remember that the visa on arrival can only be claimed from the airports of Vietnam. Therefore, this will not work for those who are traveling on a cruise. If you are entering Vietnam through land borders, this visa is also not acceptable. You might as well apply for an e-visa if you’re entering through a land border or seaport.