Complete Guide to Applying for Schengen Visa for Pakistan Residents in 2023

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate. 

Updated November 2023

European countries have always been alluring to Pakistani travellers. The lush green courtyards, the scenic landscape bordering mountains and the local streets etched with culture make a trip to Europe a fulfilling travel experience.

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If you desire to travel from Pakistan to Europe, Wego offers everything you need about the Schengen Visa; the required documents, the detailed procedure and guidelines, and how and where to apply in Pakistan.

Schengen Visa latest news

In a significant move towards modernizing the visa application process, the European Council has given its approval to new regulations that will allow individuals planning to travel to the Schengen area to apply for visas online.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez, the acting Spanish Minister for the Interior, hailed the new rules as a major improvement for both citizens and the application process. He stated, “The online application for a Schengen visa will not only simplify the process for travelers but also alleviate the workload on national administrations, enabling them to respond more swiftly and effectively.”

The newly adopted regulations include:

• the establishment of an EU visa application platform. This platform will serve as the primary portal for Schengen visa applications, allowing applicants to input all necessary information, upload electronic copies of travel documents and supporting materials, and pay their visa fees
• a reduction in the requirement for in-person consulate visits. Going forward, in-person appearances will generally only be necessary for first-time applicants, individuals with expired biometric data, and those with new travel documents
• the current visa sticker will be replaced with a cryptographically signed barcode

Following their signature, these regulations will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and take effect on the twentieth day after publication. The specific date of application for these new rules will be determined once the technical work has been completed.

This development marks a significant stride in simplifying and modernizing the Schengen visa application process, promising a more convenient and secure experience for travelers and authorities.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area per stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Currently, the Schengen Area consists of 27 member countries. All of these countries are located in Europe. The 27 Schengen countries are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

With a Schengen Visa, Pakistani citizens and residents can stay upto 90 days within a 180-day period validity in the Schengen area.

Digital Schengen Visa

The European Parliament revealed that they have approved a new strategy to digitize the physical Schengen visa application and sticker process. This means that travellers from outside the Schengen zone, including Pakistani passport holders can say goodbye to long lines and complicated paperwork, as they will soon be able to apply for and receive their digital Schengen visa online.

This means that individuals will be able to apply for their visas online without the need to book appointments or physically submit their passports. Instead of the traditional visa sticker, a digital version will be provided, which not only streamlines the application process but also enhances security measures for the Schengen region.

This platform enables visa seekers to input all necessary information, upload digital copies of their travel and supporting documents, and complete the payment process for their visa fees. Additionally, they will receive notifications regarding the status of their visa application.

Check out our article to know all about the Digital Schengen Visa:

Should Pakistanis apply for Schengen Visa?

It depends. If you are a Pakistani citizen, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa in order to enter the Schengen area.

To be eligible to file your visa application at the Schengen embassies/consulates or visa application centres (VACs) in Pakistan, you must belong to one of the following categories:

• Pakistani passport holders.
• Third-world nationals who are required to obtain a visa to Europe, living in Pakistan under a permanent or temporary residence permit.

Please note that the exact date the ETIAS visa waiver will be launched has yet to be confirmed; however, starting in 2024, passport holders of countries that have established visa-free regimes with the EU will have to apply for an ETIAS before their travel toward Europe to be allowed to enter the territory. Withal, this does not apply to Pakistani passport holders, as Pakistan currently does not have a visa-free agreement with the EU.

How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

The validity of the Schengen Visa is 90 days within a 180-day period. Furthermore, the Schengen Visa is categorized into the following:

• Single entry. Allows for a single entry to the Schengen area. Upon departure, you will not be able to use your single-entry Schengen Visa to return
• Double-entry. You are allowed to enter the Schengen Area twice. Meaning that within the allowed period, you can enter the Schengen area, leave and reenter
• Multiple-entry. You will be granted the right to enter any Schengen state as many times as you wish within a six-month period.

How to apply for Schengen Visa in Pakistan?

Documents and requirements for Pakistani residents

The following documents are required when applying for a short-term Schengen Visa in Pakistan:

1. Schengen visa application form
2. Pakistani passport (original and copy)
3. Two identity photographs (taken within the last six months)
4. Civil status certificate (e.g. birth/marriage/family/death certificate)
5. Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a letter from a host)
6. Round-trip flight itinerary (including internal flights, if applicable)
7. Travel health insurance certificate (covering EUR 30,000 or around PKR 9,553,692)
8. Proof of paid visa fee
9. Cover letter (explaining the purpose of your visit, itinerary, and length of stay)
10. Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
11. Birth certificate and parental consent (for minors)
12. Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract, business license, etc.)

Please note that some of these documents may require additional supporting documents, depending on your individual circumstances. Please visit the Schengen Visa Info website for more details

Steps to apply for Schengen Visa in Pakistan

In order to apply for a Schengen Visa from Pakistan, you must follow these steps:

1. Check which Schengen Visa type you need. There are different Schengen Visa types depending on your purpose of travelling from Pakistan to Europe.
2. Check where you need to apply for a Schengen Visa in Pakistan. Pay attention to the embassy/consulate/VAC where you need to apply.
3. Decide when to apply for a Schengen Visa in Pakistan. Applicants seeking a Schengen Visa from Pakistan should apply no earlier than 6 months before their intended date of travel and no later than 15 working days before their departure.
4. Collect the required Schengen Visa documents for Pakistani citizens.
5. Appoint an interview at the visa application centre in Pakistan. Depending on the country, you may make an appointment online, by phone, or in person. Below in this article, you can find more information about each EU embassy/consulate located in Pakistan.
6. Attend the interview on the day of your appointment.
7. Pay the visa fee. All Schengen states have fixed and synchronized visa fees.
8. Wait for the processing of your visa.

After the interview, you will have to wait for at most 15-30 days for a response to your application. In rare cases, it might take up to 60 days.

What is the fee to apply for Schengen Visa in Pakistan?

• Adults: EUR 80 (around PKR 25,480) 
• Child between 6-12 years of age: EUR 40 (around PKR 12,740)
• Child younger than 6 years of age: FREE
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports: FREE
• Pakistani pupils, graduate and postgraduate students and their children travelling for educational training and study purposes: FREE
• A family member of an EU/EEA national: FREE
• Pakistani researchers travelling to carry out scientific research: FREE

Where to apply for Schengen Visa in Pakistan?

The following Embassies and Consulates for each Schengen country in Pakistan allow travellers to lodge an application for their Schengen Visa.

Please pay attention to these rules since it is crucial to file your application at the right place. Lodging your application at the wrong authority will result in the rejection of your Schengen Visa application.

Austria

Islamabad: Embassy of Austria

Karachi: Consulate of Austria

Lahore: Consulate of Austria

Belgium

Islamabad: Embassy of Belgium

Karachi: Consulate of Karachi

Lahore: Consulate of Lahore

• Address: Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) 14 K M, Ferozepur Road Lahore 54760
• Phone: +92 42 3592 0144-5, +923458448444, +923007001111
• Email: [email protected]

Czech Republic

Islamabad: Embassy of the Czech Republic

• Address: House No. 49, Street No. 27, Sector F-6/2, P.O.Box No. 1335, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Phone: + 92-51-2276849, + 92-51-2820679
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mzv.cz/islamabad

Karachi: Consulate of the Czech Republic

• Address: 6-B, 15 South Street, Defense Housing Authority, Phase 2, Karachi, Pakistan
• Phone: + 92-21-358 94 520
• Email: [email protected]

Lahore: Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

• Address: c/o Samira House, 55 – P, Gulberg – 2, Lahore, Pakistan
• Phone: + 92-42-111850850
• Email: [email protected]

Denmark

Islamabad: Embassy of Denmark

Karachi: Royal Danish Consulate

Lahore: 

• Address: 4th Floor, Associated House, 7-Egerton Road, Lahore-54000
• Phone: (42) 6312627

Estonia

Islamabad: Consulate of Estonia

Finland

Islamabad: Embassy of Finland

• Address: House No. 24, Street No. 89, Sector G-6/3, Postal address: P.O. Box 1862, 44000
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +92-51-2828 426
• Website: http://www.finlandpakistan.org

Karachi: Honorary Consulate General of Finland

• Address: Honorary Consulate General of Finland, Finlay House, I.I. Chundrigar Road
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +92 300 828 5185

Lahore: Honorary Consulate of Finland

• Address: Honorary Consulate of Finland, IVCC Engineering (PVT) Ltd., KM17/18 Ferozepur Road
• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone: +92 321 4380 756

Karachi: Consulate General of France

• Address: 12 / A, Mohammad Ali Bogra Road – Bath Island, Karachi
• Phone:  +92 (0) 21 35 87 37 98, +92 (0) 21 35 86 24 37, + 92 (0) 300 821 4299 (in case of emergency)
• Email: [email protected]

Germany

Islamabad: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Address: Ramna 5, Diplomatic Enclave, P.O. Box 1027, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Phone: (0092-51) 2007 – 200, (0092-51) 2007 403/404/411/412
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.islamabad.diplo.de

Karachi: Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Address: 92-A/7, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.
• Phone: +92 2135873782, +92 2135873783, +92 2135870234
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.karachi.diplo.de

Lahore: Honorary Consul of Germany

• Address: Servis House 2 Main Gulberg Lahore 54622
• Phone: (0092 42) 3571 0593 / 3575 1990 – 95 Extension 115
• Email: [email protected]

Greece

Islamabad: Embassy of Greece

• Address: 33A, School Road, F-6/2, 44000, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Phone:+9251 2825186, 2822558, +92 3035193105 (emergency)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mfa.gr/islamabad

Hungary

Islamabad: Embassy of Hungary

Iceland

Oslo: Embassy of Iceland

• Address: Stortingsgata 30 Postboks 4004 AMB 0244 Oslo, Norway
• Phone: +47 2323 7530
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.utn.is/oslo

Islamabad: Honorary Consul General of Iceland

• Address: 191-A, Street 10, E-7, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Phone: (51) 844 1954 / 844 1955
• Email: [email protected]

Italy

Islamabad: Embassy of Italy

Karachi: Consulate of Italy

Lahore: Consulate of Italy

Latvia

Karachi: Consulate of Latvia

• Address: 6-B, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S., Sharah-e-Faisal, 75400, Karachi, Pakistan
• Phone: +92-21-454-8403, +92-21-454-8405
• Email: [email protected]

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is represented by the Swiss embassies or consular available in Pakistan.

Lithuania

Islamabad: Consulate General of Lithuania

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is represented by the Belgian Embassy in Pakistan.

Malta

Karachi: Consulate of Malta

• Address: Pakistan Gokal Chambers Hotel Beach, Luxury Road, Karachi, Pakistan
• Telephone: (+92) (21) 3561 1005
• E-mail: [email protected]

Lahore: Consulate of Malta

• Address: Maltese Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan 36, Lawrence Road Lahore 54000 Pakistan
• Telephone: (+92) (42) 3636 6666-70
• E-mail: [email protected]

Netherlands

Islamabad:

• Address: 167، Street 15, Ramna 5 G-5, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
• Telephone:  +92 51 2004444
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://pakistan.nlembassy.org/

Norway

Islamabad: Embassy of Norway

Poland

Islamabad: Embassy of Poland

Portugal

Islamabad: Embassy of Portugal

Slovakia

For those looking for a short-term visa just for a visit to Slovakia, you can also visit the Czech embassy in Islamabad. It was very recently authorized to offer Slovakia visas to travellers who are opting for short-term Slovakia visas because of the absence of a Slovakian embassy in Pakistan.

Slovenia

Karachi: Consulate of Slovenia

• Address: C-10/1, Block 4, Clifton, Karachi Pakistan
• Phone: (021) 587 7457, +92 21 587 7457
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Website: https://slovenianconsulate.com.pk/

Spain

Islamabad: Spanish Embassy

Sweden

Islamabad: Embassy of Sweden

• Address: House No. 4, St. No.5, F-6/3, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Phone +925-120-72600, +925-120-72680
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Website: http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Islamabad/

Karachi: Consulate of Sweden

• Address: 37-G, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S. , Shahrah-e-Faisal, 75400, Karachi, Pakistan
• Phone +922-134-373001, +922-134-373002
• Email [email protected]

Lahore: Consulate of Sweden

Switzerland

Islamabad: Embassy of Switzerland

• Address: Street 6, Diplomatic Enclave, G-5/4, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
• Phone: +92 51 209 88 00, +41 58 464 18 81, +41 58 464 18 82
• Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]