Sweden has officially resumed visa services in Islamabad, allowing Pakistani nationals to once again apply for Schengen visas for short-term visits, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Monday.
“Effective July 7, 2025, Pakistani nationals can apply for a Schengen visa from within Pakistan for visits to Sweden of up to 90 days,” the Foreign Office said in an official statement, welcoming the move as a sign of “the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.”
This decision will facilitate Pakistanis intending to travel to Sweden for short-term visits.
The announcement follows bilateral political consultations held on July 2 in Stockholm between Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistani delegation was led by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), while the Swedish side was headed by the Director General for Global Affairs.
Sweden resumes local visa processing for Pakistani travelers starting July 7
The decision marks a significant reversal from Sweden’s earlier policy. In April 2023, the Swedish embassy in Islamabad was indefinitely closed due to what it called “the security situation.” A notice on the embassy’s website at the time stated: “We understand that this will cause inconvenience; however, the safety of our applicants and staff members are of highest priority.”
With the reopening of the embassy in April this year, according to its official website, the Swedish government is now reestablishing normal consular operations, including visa processing.
The resumption is expected to ease travel plans for Pakistani citizens seeking to visit Sweden for tourism, family visits, or business for periods up to 90 days.
How to apply for Sweden Visa from Pakistan?
According to the Swedish embassy, “If you are a Pakistani citizen or resident in Pakistan and will be visiting Sweden for a short period of time, you can submit your application for a Schengen visa in the Pakistani capital Islamabad from July 7.”
Visa applications will now be accepted in Islamabad through Sweden’s external service provider, VFS Global.
Applicants are required to make an appointment with VFS Global in Islamabad to submit their visa applications. Further guidance on appointments, required documents, and procedures is available directly from VFS Global and the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.
Quick Guide: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Sweden from Pakistan
- Where: Submit your application via VFS Global in Islamabad.
- What you need: Appointment, required documents (check VFS Global website), purpose of travel (visit up to 90 days).
- More info: Visit the Swedish Migration Agency website for details on other visa types (work, study, family reunification).
