Vietnam Visa Guide for Pakistanis
Pakistani citizens can obtain an eVisa for Vietnam valid for 90 days.
Available Visa Types
Tourist Visa
multiple entryBusiness Visa
multiple entryVisa fees, processing times, and requirements are approximate estimates. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before applying.
About Vietnam
Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination for Pakistani travelers seeking affordable adventure, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural experiences in Southeast Asia. From the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the ancient town of Hoi An and the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a diverse array of attractions that appeal to Pakistani tourists, students, and business travelers alike. The country has opened its doors to Pakistani passport holders through an e-Visa system, making the application process straightforward and convenient from the comfort of your home.
For Pakistani travelers, Vietnam represents exceptional value for money. The cost of living is remarkably low compared to Western destinations, with street food meals available for just a few hundred Pakistani rupees, budget guesthouses starting from as little as 5 to 8 USD per night, and domestic transport being extremely affordable. Many Pakistani families and groups have started exploring Vietnam as an alternative to the more crowded and expensive Southeast Asian destinations. The country's northern regions, particularly around Hanoi and Sapa, offer cool mountain climates that are a refreshing change from Pakistan's hot summers.
The Pakistani community in Vietnam is relatively small but steadily growing, concentrated mainly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Most Pakistanis in Vietnam are involved in business, trade, textile imports and exports, or working for multinational companies. A small number of Pakistani students also study at Vietnamese universities, attracted by the affordable tuition fees and improving academic quality. While Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country with a different cultural background from Pakistan, the Vietnamese people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and respect for visitors, making Pakistani families feel welcome and comfortable during their stay.
One practical consideration for Pakistani visitors is halal food availability. While Vietnam is not a Muslim-majority country, halal restaurants and food options are available in the major cities, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and in neighborhoods with Muslim communities. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both have mosques where Pakistani Muslim travelers can perform their prayers. The Cham Muslim community in Vietnam also maintains a presence of halal eateries. Vietnam is a safe country with low crime rates, good infrastructure in tourist areas, and a well-developed tourism industry, making it a comfortable and exciting destination for Pakistani passport holders looking for something beyond the typical Gulf or European travel experience.
Key Facts about Vietnam
Pakistani Community in Vietnam
Job Market for Pakistanis
Key industries in Vietnam hiring foreign professionals include manufacturing, technology, education (English teaching), logistics, and foreign trade, with monthly salaries for skilled professionals ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 USD. Pakistani professionals with expertise in textile trade, IT, or engineering may find opportunities with multinational companies operating in Vietnam. Work permits are required for all foreign workers and must be sponsored by a Vietnamese employer.
Culture & Lifestyle
Vietnam is a Buddhist-majority country with a very different cultural background from Pakistan, but the Vietnamese are hospitable and respectful of Muslim customs. Halal restaurants are available in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and mosques exist in both cities for Muslim travelers. Pakistani families should note that Vietnamese culture is generally conservative in rural areas, and modest dress is appreciated especially at religious sites.
Education in Vietnam
Vietnam has several internationally recognized universities such as Vietnam National University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, with tuition fees ranging from approximately 1,500 to 5,000 USD per year, making it very affordable. A limited number of Vietnamese government scholarships are available to international students including Pakistanis. Degrees from Vietnamese universities may require individual assessment for HEC Pakistan recognition, so students should verify accreditation before enrolling.
Healthcare in Vietnam
Healthcare in Vietnam is a mix of public and private facilities, with public hospitals being affordable but sometimes overcrowded and limited in English-speaking staff. Private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City such as Vinmec and FV Hospital offer international-standard care at reasonable costs. Pakistani visitors and residents are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel or health insurance, as medical costs for serious treatment or medical evacuation can be significant.
Path to Citizenship in Vietnam
Vietnam does not offer a straightforward immigration pathway for Pakistanis, and permanent residency is difficult to obtain without a Vietnamese spouse or significant investment. Long-term stays are typically managed through multiple visa renewals or a temporary residence card obtained through employment or business registration. Vietnam does not generally allow dual citizenship, and naturalization is a lengthy and complex process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam
Yes, Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for Pakistani families. The country has low rates of violent crime, and tourist areas are well-policed and well-maintained. Vietnamese people are known for their friendliness toward international visitors. Petty theft such as bag snatching can occur in crowded areas of Ho Chi Minh City, so basic precautions like keeping valuables secure are advised. Overall, Pakistani families traveling in groups or with children will find Vietnam comfortable and welcoming, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, and Hanoi.
Halal food is available in Vietnam, though it requires some effort to find compared to Muslim-majority countries. Ho Chi Minh City has the best selection of halal restaurants, particularly in District 1 and areas near the Jamiul Muslimin Mosque. Hanoi also has a growing number of halal-certified eateries. The Cham Muslim community in the Mekong Delta region also operates halal food establishments. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are widely available and can be a safe option for Muslim travelers when halal-certified meat is not available. It is advisable to use apps like Zabihah or HalalTrip to locate halal restaurants before you travel.
Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly destinations for Pakistani travelers. A return flight from Karachi or Lahore to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi typically costs between 60,000 and 150,000 PKR depending on the airline and season, often involving a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Dubai. Daily expenses in Vietnam are very affordable, with budget travelers spending around 25 to 40 USD per day (approximately 7,000 to 11,000 PKR) covering accommodation, meals, and local transport. A week-long trip including flights, accommodation, food, and sightseeing can cost approximately 200,000 to 400,000 PKR per person, making it significantly cheaper than Europe or North America.
There are currently no direct flights between Pakistan and Vietnam. Pakistani travelers typically fly to Vietnam via connecting hubs such as Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia), Dubai (Emirates or flydubai), Bangkok (Thai Airways or Thai Lion Air), or Doha (Qatar Airways). The most popular and affordable route is via Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia, which offers competitive fares and relatively short layovers. Total travel time including connections is usually between 8 and 14 hours. It is advisable to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and the December-January holiday period.
The Pakistani community in Vietnam is relatively small, estimated at around 1,000 to 2,000 people, primarily concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Most Pakistanis in Vietnam are engaged in business activities such as textile trade, garment exports, or working with international companies. A smaller number work as English teachers or in the IT sector. There is no large established Pakistani diaspora in Vietnam unlike in the UAE, UK, or Malaysia, so newcomers may find the community support network more limited. However, Pakistani expats in Vietnam are active on social media groups and through the local Pakistani community associations that facilitate networking and assistance.