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 February 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 are looking to travel to Europe from Pakistan, here is everything you need to know about the Schengen Visa; the documents required, the detailed procedure and guidelines, and how and where to apply in Pakistan.

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.

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 starting 1 November 2023, 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. However, this does not apply to Pakistani passport holders, as India currently does not have 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:

• Application form. You must fill out the Schengen visa application form with all your information and required data. You can usually find a copy of the form at any of the websites of the visa centres or embassies in Pakistan, download the form, fill it out, and sign it.
• Your Pakistani passport (original plus a copy). You must provide your original Pakistani passport along with a copy of your passport, which must have a three-month validity period from the date you leave the Schengen area. Your passport must also contain two blank pages and have been issued in the last 10 years.
• Identity photographs. You must submit two identity photographs following the Schengen visa photo guidelines; the photos must have been taken in the last six months. Please note that the number of photographs changes depending on which country you apply for the Schengen visa.
• Civil status certificate. Please provide civil status documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, family certificate, or death certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof of hotel bookings/reservations, Airbnb reservations, or proof that you will stay with a family member or friend.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A booked flight reservation from Pakistan to the EU and back. If you take any internal flights, you will have to include those tickets too.
• Travel health insurance. You must also provide a travel health insurance certificate that meets the requirements of the Schengen travel insurance guidelines. You need medical coverage of EUR 30,000 (approx. to PKR 71,22,397) for any unexpected illnesses or injuries.
• Proof of paid visa fee. You must also include the receipt proving you have paid the required visa fee; otherwise, your application will not be processed.
• Cover letter. You may also be required to submit a cover letter for your Schengen visa application in Pakistan. The cover letter must contain information about why you are applying for a visa, what you plan to do during your stay, how long you will stay in the Schengen Area, etc.
• Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable). If you obtained a Schengen visa before applying for a new visa, you must submit copies of those previous permits.
• Birth certificate and proof of parental consent (if applicable). In cases where minors are applying for a Schengen visa, the application package must also contain their birth certificate and parental consent for travel if they travel alone or with only one parent/legal guardian. Please note that for minors, the application form must be signed by both parents/legal guardians (one is acceptable if extenuating circumstances apply).
• Proof of enough financial means. To obtain your Schengen visa, you must submit original copies of your bank account statements showing transactions in the last three to six months and the account balance or proof of regular income. Depending on your employment status, you also need to submit the following documents:
  • If employed:
    • An employment contract and certificate of annual leave from the employer.
  • If self-employed/freelancer:
    • Business license (if applicable).
    • Business bank statements.
  • If a student:
    • Certificate of registration at University, school, or college.
    • Your student ID card, a copy of the registration certificate from the faculty signed and stamped by the university, and your grades transcript.
    • Evidence of financial stability of your parents.
    • Proof of employment contract or proof of enough financial resources for your stay.
  • If retired:
    • Bank statement showing the pension received for the last six months.

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 15800)
• Child between 6-12 years of age: EUR 60 (around PKR 11850)
• 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
• Upto 25-year-old representatives of non-profit organizations travelling as participants in seminars, sports, cultural or educational events: 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: 17 Aziz Avenue Canal Bank Gulberg V, Lahore, Pakistan
• Phone: + 92-42-571-7786, + 92-42-571-7787
• 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: + 92-21-35887755
• 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
• Phone: +92-21-242 8485, 2410 166

Lahore: Honorary Consulate of Finland

• Address: Honorary Consulate of Finland, IVCC Engineering (PVT) Ltd., KM17/18 Ferozepur Road
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +92-42-581 1571/4, 582 2401/2

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]