A Schengen visa from Pakistan for Italy is necessary for any Pakistani looking to travel to Italy for short term commitments. This visa is mandatory for Pakistanis because Pakistan is not a visa exempt country on the Schengen list. To visit Italy, it is necessary for the applicant to have obtained the visa before boarding a flight from Islamabad, Lahore, or any city in Italy. This page contains Italy Schengen visa application information for Pakistan passport holders, so keep reading to learn more.
Italy Schengen
Italy is one of the 27 countries to make up the Schengen Area in Europe, and it has remained one of the power blocs of the European Union. Due to its Schengen membership, any visitors entering the country may require a visa, depending on their nationality and purpose. In the case of Pakistan citizens, they need an Italy visa to do so because Pakistan is not a visa free country.
Schengen visitors are allowed to visit for tourism or any other short term purpose as long as they don’t engage in any kind of work that will earn them income. Furthermore, with this visa, you are free to travel to any country of your choice within the Schengen zone. Free movement is also extended to other non-Schengen countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus due to the borderless policy of the EU, excluding the United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland.
Do Pakistanis Need To Pay A Visa Fee?
This visa requires a visa fee to be paid to the embassy before the applicant can submit their application. This fee is non-refundable and charged based on the applicant’s age. Persons between 12 years and above must pay the standard €80 for the visa. Children between 6-11 are charged €40, while there is no fee for children under six years. This fee is payable using any method recommended by the embassy and is not a guarantee that the applicant will get the visa at the end of the day.
How Long Can Visitors Stay In Italy, And What Is The Validity?
Visitors can start for up to 90 days, and the validity is 180 days after the visa has been issued. Staying a day more than the approved timeframe will be a violation that attracts sanctions from the authorities.
Visa Processing Time
Applicants may have to wait 15 calendar days after submitting their applications to get this visa. This waiting time may, however, be extended if the embassy is dealing with a backlog of unresolved applications or if they submit theirs through a visa application center. To be on the safe side, it may be wise to submit the application at least a month before your trip.
Types Of Visas For Pakistani Citizens
Pakistanis may apply for different types of visas, which are as follows.
Transit Visa: A Transit visa is a short term visa that allows Pakistani travelers to stay a few days in Italy before they proceed to other countries. Transit visas are issued to travelers who will switch flights in a particular country en route to another one. This visa is only valid for a few days and allows the traveler to leave the airport.
Airport Transit Visa: An airport transit visa is similar to a transit visa but doesn’t allow the traveler to leave the airport while waiting for their connecting flight.
Tourist Visa: As the name implies, it is meant for tourism. Most Schengen visa holders are tourists coming to Italy to enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. Unlike transit visas, this one and the other types of visas are valid for 180 days.
Study Visa: Pakistanis coming for short term courses and training that will not last longer than three months may apply for a Schengen study visa.
Medical Treatment Visa: Those coming for medical treatment in an Italian hospital or medical facility may apply for this visa, but they must provide proof of admission issued by the health facility.
Other visa types issued by the Italian government include official visas, cultural exchange visas, etc.
Before applying for any, ensure that the visa aligns with your purpose.
What Do I Need For The Visa Application?
To successfully apply for a visa to Italy, you must provide a complete set of valid documents and information about your trip. A completed and signed visa application form is mandatory, and the following documents must be attached to it
Valid Pakistan passport
Two recent passport photographs that meet Schengen requirements
Proof of financial means to cover your expenses
Proof of accommodation like a hotel, Airbnb, or house address in Italy
Cover letter
Round trip itinerary
Medical Insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage
Visa fee
You will need these documents for your Schengen visa from Pakistan for Italy.