In some cases, tourists have been forced to travel to mainland Vietnam due to unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, flight disruptions and the need for onward travel or other forms of assistance.

Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island has emerged as a popular holiday destination for Indian travellers. With a 30-day visa-free policy for Indian citizens and certain other foreign nationals, Vietnam's largest island is loved for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts and relaxed vibe. However, the Embassy of India in Hanoi has recently issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to consider applying for a Vietnam visa even if their travel plans are limited to Phu Quoc. In certain cases, travellers have faced unexpected complications due to the strict limits of the visa-free arrangement.

Visa-Free Entry To Phu Quoc Explained  

At present, Phu Quoc Island allows visa-free entry for certain foreign nationals, including Indian citizens. This exemption applies strictly to travel to and stay within Phu Quoc Island alone. It does not permit entry into mainland Vietnam under any circumstances. Tourists fly directly to the island or transit via other international hubs without entering mainland Vietnam.

Travellers entering Vietnam through this route are expected to remain on the island for the duration of their visit. Movement beyond Phu Quoc, including to cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, is not covered by the visa-free permission.

Why Tourists Should Still Apply For A Vietnam Visa  

Even when Indian tourists plan to visit only Phu Quoc, the Indian Embassy notes that in some cases, tourists have been forced to travel to mainland Vietnam due to unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, flight disruptions and the need for onward travel or other forms of assistance.

In such situations, travellers without a valid Vietnam visa that allows mainland entry can face significant challenges, such as delays in accessing medical facilities, restrictions on domestic travel, and immigration-related complications.

To avoid such difficulties, the Embassy of India has advised Indian citizens to obtain an appropriate Vietnam visa before travelling to Phu Quoc, even if their itinerary does not include going to the mainland.

The advisory notes that travellers should be fully aware of these risks before choosing to rely solely on the visa-free entry option.

What To Do If You Lose Your Passport In Vietnam

The Embassy has also flagged instances of Indian nationals losing their passports while travelling in Vietnam. In the event of passport loss, travellers are required to immediately file a police complaint in the jurisdiction where the document was misplaced. This police report must later be submitted to either the Embassy of India in Hanoi or the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.

How To Get Exit Permit From Vietnam After Losing Passport

The tourist will then receive an Emergency Certificate/Travel Document from the Embassy of India in Hanoi/Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City. Efforts are made to issue the document at the earliest, often on the same day.

However, the advisory notes that even after the Emergency Certificate is issued, Vietnamese authorities typically require three to five working days to process and grant an exit permit. In some cases, this process may take longer. During this period, Indian citizens are required to remain in Vietnam until the exit permit is issued.

The advisory concludes by urging Indian visitors to stay informed and plan their travel responsibly to ensure a safe visit to Vietnam.