Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Schengen Area in 2026?
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Europe (Schengen) in 2026? Yes. Pakistani citizens require a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 Schengen Area countries in Europe. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, and Austria.
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows Pakistani passport holders to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. With one Schengen visa, you can travel freely between all member states without additional border checks.
Applications must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or if visiting multiple countries equally, to the country of first entry. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, though it can extend to 45 days during peak season.
Visa Type: Schengen Tourist Visa
The Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) is a short-stay visa for tourism, visiting friends or family, attending events, or short business trips. It allows travel throughout the 27 Schengen countries on a single visa.
The visa is typically issued for single, double, or multiple entries depending on your travel history and the purpose of your visit. First-time Schengen applicants from Pakistan usually receive single or double-entry visas valid for the specific trip dates. Multiple-entry visas valid for 1-5 years may be issued to applicants with strong travel history.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Pakistani passport with at least 3 months validity beyond planned Schengen departure and 2 blank pages
- Genuine purpose to visit for tourism, family visit, or permitted short-stay activity
- Sufficient financial means to cover the entire trip (approximately €100 per day)
- Confirmed travel itinerary including flights and accommodation
- Valid travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid in all Schengen countries
- Strong ties to Pakistan demonstrating intention to return (employment, property, family)
- No previous Schengen visa refusals or immigration violations (or explanation if applicable)
- Clear criminal record
Required Documents
Required Documents (9)
Valid Pakistani Passport
RequiredPassport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen and containing at least 2 blank pages
Include old passports if they contain previous Schengen, UK, US, or other visa stamps
Schengen Visa Application Form
RequiredCompleted and signed application form (obtained from embassy website)
Fill out carefully—inconsistencies can lead to delays or refusal
Passport Photos
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm) meeting Schengen photo requirements
Must be less than 6 months old with white background
Travel Insurance
RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid in all Schengen states
Must cover medical emergencies, hospital stay, repatriation. Policy must list Schengen/Europe as covered area.
Flight Reservation
RequiredRound-trip flight itinerary showing entry and exit from Schengen area
Check the consulate requirements for accepted travel documentation before your appointment.
Accommodation Proof
RequiredHotel bookings for entire stay, or invitation letter with host documents if staying with someone
Must cover every night of your Schengen stay. Free cancellation bookings are acceptable.
Detailed Travel Itinerary
RequiredDay-by-day plan showing cities, activities, and travel between destinations
Essential for multi-country trips. Show logical routing and realistic timelines.
Generate this document freeBank Statements
RequiredOriginal bank statements for last 6 months showing sufficient funds (€100/day minimum)
Should show regular income and stable balance. Avoid unexplained large deposits.
Employment/Business Proof
RequiredEmployment letter with salary, leave approval, and company registration; or business documents for self-employed
Must be on company letterhead with contact details. Include recent salary slips.
Recommended Documents (3)
Cover Letter
Personal letter explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to Pakistan
Highly recommended for Pakistani applicants. Address any potential concerns proactively.
Generate this document freeNOC (No Objection Certificate)
Letter from employer confirming approved leave and guarantee of return to employment
Some embassies require this as a mandatory document for employed applicants
Invitation Letter (if applicable)
If visiting family/friends, invitation letter from host plus their residence permit and ID copies
Host may need to submit official sponsorship form at their local town hall (varies by country)
Generate this document freeFees
| Visa Type / Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Adult) | €90 | Standard fee for all Schengen countries |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-12) | €45 | Reduced fee for children |
| Schengen Visa (Children under 6) | €0 | Free for children under 6 |
| VFS Service Fee | €25-35 | Additional fee when applying through VFS (varies by country) |
| Premium Lounge Service | €50-80 | Optional VFS premium service with dedicated assistance |
* Fees are subject to change without notice. Check official sources for current pricing. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers.
Processing Time
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the appointment date. During peak travel seasons (April-September, December), processing may extend to 30-45 days due to high application volumes.
Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance. Some embassies offer premium processing services for an additional fee.
Note: Processing times vary significantly by embassy. German and French embassies typically have longer wait times due to high demand from Pakistan.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Determine Which Embassy
Identify the Schengen country where you will spend the most time (main destination). If equal time, choose the country of first entry. Apply at that country's embassy or authorized visa center.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, bank statements, employment proof, and travel bookings. Ensure documents are in English or include certified translations.
Complete Application Form
Download and complete the Schengen visa application form from the embassy website. Sign in the designated places. Some embassies allow online form completion.
Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the embassy or VFS Global center. Book well in advance—appointments in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore fill up quickly, especially before peak travel seasons.
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee at your appointment. Most VFS centers accept cash or card. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Submit Application & Biometrics
Attend your appointment, submit all documents, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo). First-time Schengen applicants must provide biometrics in person.
Await Decision
Processing takes 15-45 days depending on the embassy and season. Track your application status online. You may be called for an interview at the embassy.
Collect Passport
Collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery. Check visa details including validity dates, number of entries, and days permitted.
Where to Apply
Pakistani citizens apply for Schengen visas at the embassy or consulate of their main destination country. Most Schengen countries use VFS Global in Pakistan as their visa application partner.
Key embassy/VFS locations: - Islamabad: Most embassies are located here or use VFS Global Islamabad - Karachi: VFS Global Karachi handles multiple countries - Lahore: VFS Global Lahore handles multiple countries
Some countries (like Germany and Spain) require appointments directly at the embassy rather than VFS for certain application types.
Common Refusal Reasons & Tips
- Insufficient financial means: Bank statements showing inadequate funds or unclear income sources
- Weak ties to Pakistan: No convincing evidence of employment, property, business, or family requiring return
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: Missing required documents or contradictions between documents
- Travel insurance issues: Insurance not meeting €30,000 minimum, not covering all Schengen states, or validity dates not matching travel dates
- Unconvincing travel purpose: Vague itinerary, unrealistic travel plan, or inability to explain trip details
- Previous visa refusals or violations: History of Schengen or other visa refusals, overstays, or immigration violations
- Doubts about intention to return: Based on personal circumstances, travel history, or interview answers
- Fraudulent documents: Any document found to be false results in immediate refusal and potential ban
- Incorrect embassy application: Applying to wrong country (not main destination) can result in rejection
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Pakistani citizens require a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 Schengen countries in Europe. The visa costs €90 for adults and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Official Sources
Always verify information with official government sources before applying.
Ready to apply? Here's what to do next
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