Step-By-Step Process To Get A Schengen Visit Visa From Pakistan

As a Pakistani traveler headed to Europe, the first important step of your trip is to get a Schengen visit visa from Pakistan. What the Schengen visa does is it gives you access to 27 European countries with a single entry, which is great for tourism, family get-togethers, or short business trips. Also, if you are not familiar with the requirements, the process may be confusing.

In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step process that we have experienced and are sharing it for a Schengen visa application in case of living in Pakistan. We will also cover requirements, fees, and what worked for us, which may help your application's success.

Choose The Right Schengen Country

Before you start out with your application, determine which Schengen country you will be entering first or which will have the longest stay for you. You must present your application at the embassy or consulate of that particular country. For instance, if you are visiting France, your application goes to the French embassy in Pakistan.

Understand The Schengen Visa From Pakistan Requirements

To obtain a Schengen visa, either online or in person, you must fulfill certain documentation requirements. Which include:

• A Pakistani passport that is valid for at least 3 months from the date of your return.

• Completed out online Schengen visa application form (to print and sign).

• Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)

• Proof of travel health insurance (at a minimum of 30,000 coverage).

• Flight reservation and itinerary

• Hotel reservations or a host invitation if staying as a guest.

• Proof of income (most recent 3 to 6 months worth of bank statements).

• A letter that details the reason for your visit.

• Proof of connections to Pakistan (job letters, property documents, etc..

Always go to the official embassy site for that particular country, as requirements may differ.

Fill Out The Schengen Visa Application Form Online

In Pakistan, you can get a Schengen visa by applying online at the embassy or the visa centers website. We ask that you use accurate information that matches your documents. Once you finish the application, print out the form and sign it.

Book An Appointment

After you apply, get in touch with the visa application center (we are talking VFS Global or Gerrys by country) for a slot. In very high demand at times like summer and holidays, we advise that you book that appointment well in advance.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather up all the required documents in the order as per the embassys instructions. See that copies are clear and that the original documents are present for verification. Also, some embassies may require notarized copies.

Attend The Visa Interview

On your appointment day, arrive at the visa center in advance. Present your documents, biometric information (fingerprint scans), and also expect a short interview. At the interview, you may be asked about your travel itineraries, financial standing, or what you will do upon return to Pakistan.

To be honest, confident, and well-prepared greatly improves your chances of approval.

Pay The Schengen Visa Fee From Pakistan

The Schengen visa charge from Pakistan is usually 80 (which is about PKR 25,000) but does vary with currency fluctuations and also extra service fees. The fee is non-refundable should your visa be declined.

Wait For Processing

After we receive your application, it will take 15 working days for us to process the visa. But at times it may stretch to a longer period during peak seasons or if we require additional documents from you. Also, you can track your application online with the reference number that is given at the time of submission.

Collect Your Passport

Once your visa is granted, you will be advised to come to the visa center to pick up your passport. Should your application be approved, we will place a Schengen visa sticker in your passport, which will also include entry dates and duration of stay.

Tips To Increase Approval Chances

• Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.

• Make sure your account has steady income and an adequate balance.

• Present an in-depth travel itinerary that includes accommodation and transport details.

• Present very strong evidence of return, which may be in the form of job commitment or family ties.

• Do not submit false or misleading information, which leads to rejections and bans.

Can You Get A Schengen Visa Online?

While we do not have a full digital visa application, we do have the option of applying online, which you may do via the embassies and visa centers websites. Also, you will have to show up in person for biometrics and an interview. Also, it is to be noted that for returning applicants, biometrics may not be required if it has been done in the last 59 months.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Schengen visit visa from Pakistan can be a simple process if you do the right things. We go from filling out the online Schengen visa application form to paying the visa fee from home with proper info and plan it out. Also, use only what the embassy puts out as info and stay away from shortcuts.

With the right documentation in hand and at the right time, youll be free to tour Europe.