Visit visa process for Schengen zone for Pakistanis

The Schengen Visit Visa for Pakistani citizens allows you to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Below is a detailed guide on the process and requirements for applying for a Schengen Visit Visa from Pakistan.

Schengen Visit Visa Process for Pakistani Citizens

Step 1: Check the Schengen Visa Requirements

• Schengen Area: The Schengen Area includes 26 European countries that have agreed to abolish border controls among themselves, allowing for free movement of people.
• If you are planning to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply to the embassy or consulateof that country. However, if you plan to visit multiple countries, you should apply to the country where you will spend the most time (i.e., your main destination) or the country of first entry if the time spent is equal across countries.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Visit Visa

Schengen visas are available for various purposes of travel:

• Tourism: For general tourism or leisure visits.
• Business: For attending business meetings, conferences, or professional visits.
• Family/Friends Visit: For visiting family or friends in the Schengen Area.
• Cultural/Artistic Events: For attending cultural, sports, or artistic events.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

To apply for a Schengen Visit Visa from Pakistan, you will need to provide various documents. The requirements may vary slightly depending on the country you are applying to, but the general documents required are:

Required Documents for a Schengen Visit Visa from Pakistan

1. Valid Passport
   • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 monthsbeyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
   • It should have at least two blank pagesfor visa stamps.
   • Your passport must have been issued in the last 10 years.
2. Visa Application Form
   • A completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
   • The form can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate website of the country you’re applying to. Ensure all information is correct and filled out completely.
3. Visa Fee Payment Receipt
   • The visa application fee for a Schengen Visit Visa is generally €80for adults and €40 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Fees can vary slightly depending on the consulate.
4. Photographs
   • Two recent passport-sized photographs(35mm x 45mm) that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements (e.g., white background, neutral expression).
5. Travel Insurance
   • Proof of travel medical insurancethat covers the entire Schengen Area for the duration of your stay. The insurance must cover medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
6. Flight Reservation
   • A flight reservationshowing your planned arrival and departure dates from the Schengen Area. It’s recommended to book a refundable flight or provide a flight itinerary.
7. Accommodation Details
   • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen Area. This could include:
     • Hotel bookings.
     • An invitation letter from a host in the Schengen country (if staying with family or friends).

8. Proof of Financial Means
   • Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the Schengen Area, such as:
     • Bank statementsfrom the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds.
     • Salary slipsif employed.
     • Tax returnsor business documents if self-employed.
     • A sponsorship letterif someone else is funding your trip, along with their financial documents.

9. Cover Letter
   • A personal cover letterstating the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and your intent to return to Pakistan after your visit. This should include:
     • Why you are visiting (tourism, business, family visit).
     • What activities you will be doing.
     • Proof of strong ties to Pakistan (employment, family, or property).

10. Proof of Ties to Pakistan

• Documents showing your intent to return to Pakistan after your visit, such as:
  • Employment letteror business registration.
  • Family ties, such as birth certificates, or documents showing your family members live in Pakistan.
  • Property ownership or rental agreements.

11. Invitation Letter (if visiting family/friends)

• If you are visiting family or friends, you will need an invitation letterfrom the host in the Schengen country. This letter should include:
  • Host’s details (name, address, nationality, residence status).
  • Your relationship to the host and purpose of your visit.
  • Accommodation details (how and where you will be staying).
• The host may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of their legal status in the Schengen Area (passport, residence permit, etc.).

12. Additional Documents (if required)

• Depending on the purpose of your visit, you might need extra documents:
  • For business visits: Invitation letter from the company in the Schengen country, details of the meetings or conferences.
  • For cultural or sports events: Tickets or a letter from the event organizer confirming your participation.

Step 4: Book an Appointment and Submit Your Application

• Once you have gathered all the required documents, schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC)or the consulate of the country you’re applying to.
  • If you are applying through an embassy, check the consulate’s website for details on how to book an appointment.
  • For most Schengen countries, you can submit your application at the Visa Application Center (VAC).
• Biometrics: As part of the visa application process, you will also be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). This is done at the time of submitting your application.
  

  Step 5: Wait for Processing

  • After submitting your application and biometrics, the processing time for a Schengen Visit Visa is typically 15 calendar days.
    • However, it may take longer if additional documents are required, or if there are complications with your application.
  • You can track your application status online or through the VAC where you submitted your documents.

  Step 6: Receive Your Visa

  • If your visa is approved, you will be notified and your passport with the visa sticker will be returned to you. You can pick it up from the Visa Application Center or have it delivered by courier, depending on the services you chose.
  • If your visa is denied, you will receive a refusal letterexplaining the reason for the refusal. You may appeal the decision or apply again with additional supporting documents.

  Important Notes

  • Application Timing: It is recommended to apply for a Schengen Visit Visa at least 15 days beforeyour intended travel date but no more than 6 months in advance.
  • Duration of Stay: A Schengen Visit Visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 dayswithin a 180-day period. Be mindful of the “90/180 rule” to avoid overstaying and possible penalties.
  • Multiple Schengen Countries: If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or the country of first entry if time is equal.