ISLAMABAD, July 7, 2025 In a major development, Sweden resumes visa services in Islamabad for Pakistani citizens, allowing applicants to once again apply for short-term Schengen visas.
The update was shared following bilateral political talks between Pakistan and Swedish officials in Stockholm on July 2. The meeting focused on enhancing ties in trade, migration, education, and consular affairs.
According to the Foreign Office, the Swedish government confirmed that visa operations resumed on July 7, enabling Pakistani citizens to apply for Schengen visas for stays of up to 90 days.
The Foreign Office spokesperson welcomed the decision, calling it a positive step that shows the strong and improving relationship between Pakistan and Sweden.
In April 2023, Sweden had indefinitely shut down its embassy in Islamabad, citing security concerns. As a result, visa processing and document dispatch were suspended. At the time, the Swedish embassy stated that ensuring the safety of applicants and staff was a top priority.
Earlier this year, in April 2025, the Swedish embassy quietly resumed basic operations. However, full visa services had not been restored until now.
Now, with visa services officially back, Pakistani travelers can submit applications through the usual channels, including Gerry’s visa centers.
This resumption is expected to benefit students, tourists, and business travelers who had been facing long delays and limited options for applying to Schengen countries.
The decision has been widely welcomed by the Pakistani community, travel agents, and educational consultants, who say it will ease travel planning and reduce backlog pressures.
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