Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Sweden Resumes Visa Services in Islamabad After Over Two Years
Sweden has resumed Schengen visa services in Islamabad. Pakistanis can now apply for short-term visas (up to 90 days) from July 7. FO welcomes the move as a sign of growing bilateral ties.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-07
Sweden Resumes Visa Services in Islamabad After Over Two Years

The Swedish Embassy in Islamabad has resumed Schengen visa services for Pakistani nationals, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Monday. Pakistani applicants can now apply for short-term visas (up to 90 days) to Sweden, starting July 7, 2025.

This decision follows bilateral consultations held on July 2 in Stockholm between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Sweden. The talks were led by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) from Pakistan and the Director General for Global Affairs from the Swedish Foreign Ministry.

➤ Background: Embassy Closure Since 2023

Sweden had indefinitely closed its embassy in Islamabad in April 2023, citing security concerns. During that period, the Migration Section was non-operational, causing significant delays and disruptions for visa applicants. The embassy also halted document processing and delivery to consulates, applicants, or service centers like Gerry’s.

A notice on the Swedish embassy’s website at the time had stated:

“We understand that this will cause inconvenience; however, the safety of our applicants and staff members are of highest priority.”

The embassy quietly reopened in April 2025, and visa operations have now formally resumed.

➤ FO Welcomes the Move

In a statement issued today, the Foreign Office of Pakistan welcomed the development:

“This reflects the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.”

The resumption of services is expected to facilitate tourism, education, business travel, and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Sweden.

➤ Visa Application Details

·       Visa applications are now open for short stays (up to 90 days) under the Schengen visa regime.

·       Applicants can now submit their documents and biometrics at designated centers in Pakistan.

·       Further information on documentation and appointments is available on the Swedish embassy’s official website and associated visa facilitation centers.

 
Tagged:

SwedenVisa

SchengenVisa

PakistanSweden

IslamabadEmbassy

FOPakistan
Share News: