The Embassy of India in Hanoi has issued a detailed advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Vietnam, highlighting key visa requirements and procedures to follow in case of passport loss. For Indian nationals planning to visit Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, the advisory warns of potential immigration hurdles if they need to leave the island for mainland travel.
Phu Quoc offers visa-free entry for Indian citizens, but this applies strictly to the island itself. Travellers cannot proceed to mainland Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, without a proper visa. The embassy highlighted recent cases where medical emergencies, flight disruptions, or other issues forced visitors to the mainland, leading to delays in medical care, travel restrictions, and immigration complications.
Here's The Full Advisory Issued By The Indian Embassy In Vietnam
"In such situations, individuals who do not hold a valid Vietnam visa permitting entry into mainland Vietnam face significant challenges, including delays in accessing medical facilities, travel restrictions, and immigration-related complications," the advisory read.
"In view of the above, Indian nationals are advised to obtain an appropriate Vietnam visa prior to undertaking travel to Phu Quoc, even if their itinerary is limited to the island. If you do still travel to Phu Quoc without an appropriate Vietnam visa which is permissible as per local guidelines and you are required to travel to mainland Vietnam for reasons as mentioned above, please do understand that there could be immigration-related complications," it added.
The advisory also addressed the issue of lost passports, noting that several such incidents involving Indian nationals have been reported. Travellers who lose their passports are required to immediately lodge a complaint with the local police in the area where the loss occurred. This document must later be submitted to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.
"On receiving the request for issuance of the Emergency Certificate/Travel Document on loss of passport, it has been the endeavour of the Embassy of India in Hanoi/Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to issue the document at the earliest on the very same day."
"Even after the issuance of the Emergency Certificate/Travel Document by us, it normally takes anytime between 3-5 working days for the Vietnamese authorities, as per local guidelines, for issuance of an Exit Permit. In some cases, it could also take a little longer. Till the issuance of the Exit Permit by the local authorities, Indian citizens will need to stay in Vietnam," the advisory read.
The Embassy urged Indian nationals to take note of these guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
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