India advisory for Vietnam travellers on visa rules, passport safety

April 7, 2026

New Delhi:  The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has issued an advisory for Indian citizens travelling to the country, cautioning them about two key issues- visa rules for Phu Quoc island and the risk of losing their passports during their travels.

Phu Quoc is becoming the most famous destination

Phu Quoc Island is becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists due to its visa-free entry. However, the Embassy has clarified that this exemption is limited.

The visa-free facility is limited to Phu Quoc Island only and does not allow entry to mainland Vietnam. This means that Indian travelers cannot travel to cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi without a valid visa.

Sometimes hard for travellers in an emergency

The Embassy has warned that travellers may have to leave the island in case of a medical emergency, flight cancellation, or other emergencies. In such a situation, if they do not have a mainland Vietnam visa, they may face serious problems.

These include delays in medical treatment, restrictions on movement, and immigration-related problems. Travelers are advised to obtain a proper Vietnam visa before traveling to Phu Quoc.

If your passport lost 

The advisory also states that if a passport is lost during travel, a complaint must be filed immediately at the nearest police station.

A copy of this complaint must then be submitted to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi or the Indian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leaving Vietnam can be difficult and time-consuming

Emergency travel documents may be issued quickly, but an exit permit from Vietnamese authorities is required to leave the country.

This process typically takes 3 to 5 working days, but in some cases, it may take longer. During this period, passengers will have to stay in Vietnam until permission is granted.

Indian nationals travelling to Viet Nam are requested to see this ADVISORY 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/UI1fTfbjuB

— India in Vietnam (@AmbHanoi) April 6, 2026