.Islamabad: Sweden has announced the reopening of visa services in Islamabad, a move aimed at assisting Pakistani nationals planning short-term visits of up to 90 days. The decision follows productive bilateral political consultations between Pakistani and Swedish foreign ministry officials in Stockholm, marking a positive development in the growing relationship between the two countries.
The announcement from the Swedish government came in the wake of bilateral discussions between Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. Pakistani officials welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the reopening of visa services signifies an important step towards deepening diplomatic ties.
Effective from July 7, 2025, Pakistani citizens can once again apply for Schengen visas directly from Islamabad, thus facilitating easier travel arrangements for business, tourism, and other short-term visits to Sweden and the broader Schengen area.
The bilateral consultations in Stockholm were led on the Pakistani side by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), while the Swedish delegates were headed by the Director General for Global Affairs at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The productive discussions not only yielded practical results such as the resumption of visa processing but also marked increased engagement between the two nations on matters of mutual interest.
Pakistan enthusiastically welcomed Sweden’s decision, highlighting it as a clear indication of improving bilateral relations. Both countries expressed commitment to further strengthening cooperation and interaction across various sectors in the years ahead.
