On 23/3, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov stated Russia's interest in attracting more Vietnamese tourists and exploring policies to facilitate their entry, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Reshetnikov noted Vietnam's rapidly developing economy, large population, and growing middle class, which generate significant tourism demand. Russia is prepared to adjust and expand entry mechanisms for Vietnamese visitors, potentially offering visa-free entry for organized tour groups.

Vietnamese tourists admire Russia's golden autumn. *Trang An Travel*

Annually, around 15,000 Vietnamese tourists visit Russia, while 600,000 Russians travel to Vietnam. The General Statistics Office reported that in the first two months of the year, nearly 250,000 Russian tourists visited Vietnam. This figure represents a 3,3-fold increase over the same period in 2025, making Russia the fastest-growing source market for Vietnam. To address this disparity, Russia plans to boost its image in Southeast Asian markets through the "Discover Russia" project.

Nguyen Huu Cuong, General Director of Trang An Travel, a company with over 10 years of experience in organizing tours for Vietnamese visitors to Russia, predicts a 40-60% increase in Vietnamese tourists next year if the relaxed or visa-free policy for tour groups is adopted. By the end of Q1, Trang An Travel reported a 30% rise in Vietnamese visitors to Russia compared to last year. Cuong remarked, "The Russian market is gradually warming up after a prolonged period of stagnation caused by the pandemic and global economic and political instability."

The Russian visa holds a significant competitive advantage over other countries with similar architectural and cultural appeal, particularly regarding transparency and processing time. Vietnamese tourists have been able to apply for a Russian e-visa since 1/8/2023. The current application process is designed to facilitate travel, not to hinder it.

Vietnamese tour group admiring winter snow in Russia. *Trang An Travel*

Cuong assesses the Russian visa application process as "more straightforward" compared to obtaining a Schengen, US, or Canadian visa, citing faster processing times and a high approval rate.

Russia also stands out as a destination with particular appeal for Vietnamese tourists, thanks to its rich culture, history, and expansive natural beauty. The availability of direct flights and friendly diplomatic relations between the two nations are crucial factors that consistently position Russia as a top travel choice.

Currently, Russian tours are priced from 55 million VND. A typical 7-day, 6-night itinerary includes visits to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, featuring iconic landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Winter Palace.

Phuong Anh