On July 7, 2025, Sweden announced the resumption of visa services in Islamabad, allowing Pakistani nationals to apply for Schengen visas for short stays, following bilateral talks and the strengthening of ties.
Effective July 7, 2025, Pakistani citizens can apply for Schengen visas in Islamabad for visits to Sweden, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days, as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Pakistan. The move, welcomed by FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch as a sign of stronger ties, follows the 19th round of bilateral consultations in Stockholm. The policy facilitates travel for 220 million Pakistanis, enhancing access to Sweden’s $600 billion economy.
The Stockholm talks, led by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe, Ambassador Muhammad Ayub, and Sweden’s Director General for Global Affairs, focused on key areas such as green transition, digitisation, sustainable technologies, and information and communication technology (ICT).
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Sweden to Reopen Visa Services in Islamabad
Following the Bilateral Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Sweden, held in Stockholm on 2 July 2025, the Government of Sweden has announced the resumption of visa… pic.twitter.com/01y4A7Fhx8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 7, 2025Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and discussed various regional and global issues, including climate change and trade. These consultations are part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s $1 billion trade relationship with Sweden. Climate change and trade. These consultations are part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s $1 billion trade relationship with Sweden.
The resumption of visa services, announced during Pakistan’s monsoon flood alerts, has generated optimism among many, with posts on X proclaiming, “Sweden visas back for Pakistan!” according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@ForeignOfficePk). This initiative aims to alleviate regional tensions, such as the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, by promoting mobility. The Swedish embassy in Islamabad, which previously processed about 10,000 visas annually before the suspension, anticipates a significant increase in applications, as reported by the Business Recorder. This surge is expected to enhance both tourism and business relations between the countries.
