Indian travellers heading to Phu Quoc Island have been urged to stay alert after the Embassy of India in Vietnam issued a fresh advisory highlighting two key concerns: visa limitations and risks linked to passport loss.
Visa-free entry comes with limits
Phu Quoc has become a popular destination among Indian tourists, largely due to its visa-free entry policy. However, the Embassy clarified that this exemption is strictly limited to the island.
Travellers entering under the visa-free scheme are not permitted to visit mainland Vietnam, including cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, without a valid visa.
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This restriction could create complications in unexpected situations such as medical emergencies or flight disruptions, where leaving the island may become necessary. Without a mainland visa, travellers may face delays in accessing healthcare, movement restrictions and immigration hurdles.
"In view of the above, Indian nationals are advised to obtain an appropriate Viet Nam visa prior to undertaking travel to Phu Quoc, even if their itinerary is limited to the island," the advisory stated.
The Embassy further noted that those choosing to travel without a visa should be prepared for potential immigration-related issues if circumstances require them to move beyond the island.
Indian nationals travelling to Viet Nam are requested to see this ADVISORY 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/UI1fTfbjuB
— India in Vietnam (@AmbHanoi) April 6, 2026
Passport loss can delay return
The advisory also flagged concerns over Indian nationals losing passports while travelling in Vietnam. In such cases, travellers must immediately file a police complaint in the area where the passport was lost.
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This report must then be submitted to Indian authorities in Vietnam for further processing. While Emergency Certificates or travel documents are often issued quickly, sometimes even on the same day, the process does not end there.
Travellers must still obtain an exit permit from Vietnamese authorities, which typically takes three to five working days and may take longer in some cases. During this period, they are required to remain in Vietnam until clearance is granted.
