India issues Vietnam travel advisory, clarifies Phu Quoc visa limitation

The Embassy of India in Hanoi has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Vietnam, highlighting key concerns related to visa rules and loss of passports.

The advisory notes that while Phu Quoc Island offers visa-free entry to Indian citizens under certain conditions, the exemption is strictly limited to the island and does not allow entry into mainland Vietnam.

It warned that in emergency situations such as medical needs or flight disruptions, travellers may be required to move to cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. In such cases, those without a valid visa for mainland Vietnam could face delays, travel restrictions and immigration-related complications.

In view of this, Indian nationals have been advised to obtain an appropriate Vietnam visa before travelling to Phu Quoc, even if their plans are limited to the island.

The embassy also flagged multiple instances of Indian travellers losing passports in Vietnam. It said affected individuals must immediately file a police complaint in the local jurisdiction, which is required for further processing at the embassy or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

While emergency travel documents are issued promptly, the advisory noted that it may take 3 to 5 working days for Vietnamese authorities to grant an exit permit, during which travellers will need to remain in the country.

The embassy has urged travellers to take necessary precautions and stay informed to avoid inconvenience during their visit.