ISLAMABAD – The Embassy of Sweden has officially resumed its short-stay Schengen visa services in Islamabad, effective July 7, after a suspension of over two years. The decision comes following recent high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Sweden.
The visa services had been suspended in April 2023 due to security concerns, forcing Pakistani citizens to apply for Schengen visas from Swedish embassies located in other countries. The halt in services created significant hurdles for students, tourists, professionals, and families who needed to travel to Sweden for short-term visits.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, stating that it reflects the improvement in Pakistan’s internal security environment and the growing trust between the two countries. The announcement follows political consultations held in Stockholm on July 2, where senior officials from both sides discussed a range of bilateral matters, including consular cooperation and trade.
With the resumption of services, Pakistani citizens can now apply for 90-day Schengen visas for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, academic exchanges, and family visits directly from Islamabad. This development eliminates the need to travel to third countries for visa processing and is expected to benefit thousands of potential travellers.
Travel and education consultants have hailed the decision, noting that it will ease logistical burdens and reduce visa-related costs for Pakistani applicants. Many had previously voiced concerns over the financial and administrative difficulties caused by the embassy’s closure, particularly for students and professionals with limited means.
Sweden is part of the 27-nation Schengen Zone, and a visa issued by Swedish authorities allows access to multiple countries within the bloc for short-term stays. The restoration of services is seen as a step toward normalising diplomatic and people-to-people engagement.
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the move would encourage greater educational, economic, and cultural exchange in the months ahead. The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad is expected to gradually expand its consular services to meet growing demand.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
