Italy Visit Visa From Pakistan: Application Process

Italy is a perfect tourist destination for travelers from Pakistan. With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and historic sites,  As a Pakistani citizen, You must have an Italy visit visa

If you’re from Pakistan and planning to visit Italy, you’ll need a Schengen visa, (i.e. short-term visa) for a stay of up to 90 days to 180-day period. 

This visa provides access to 26 European countries, including Italy, where you can freely travel once you enter any Schengen country. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Types of Italy Visas Available for Pakistanis

In Pakistan, Italy’s embassy in Islamabad, Lahore, and consulate general in Karachi handle visa applications. They offer different types of visas, including Schengen visas, work visas, business visas, and student visas. This guide focuses on the short-term Schengen visa, mostly Pakistani travel for visits to Schengen countries.

How to Apply for an Italian Visa in Pakistan?

If you’re in Pakistan and planning to apply for an Italian visa, the process is straightforward. VFS Global, an outsourcing company, manages the application process. They’ll receive, validate, and process your application. But remember, the embassy and consulate of Italy make the final decision. To begin, you need to schedule an appointment with VFS to submit your application.

Eligibility Criteria for an Italy Visit Visa 

To be eligible to apply for an Italy visit visa from Pakistan, you must complete the following basic criteria:

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• Be a citizen of Pakistan with a valid Pakistani passport. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months

• Have proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel and living expenses during your stay. 

• Provide proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings for the entire duration of your visit. 

• Present a confirmed round-trip flight or transport booking proving your return to Pakistan. 

• Purchase approved medical/travel insurance covering Schengen states with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

• Have no criminal record or history of visa overstay/refusal by Schengen countries

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Completely these basic eligibility criteria will help strengthen your visa application. Now let’s look at the detailed application process.

Required documents for Italy Visit Visa 

Here is a detailed checklist of documents required to apply for an Italy visit visa from Pakistan:

• Passport: Original passport valid for 3 months after your intended return date from Italy with at least 2 blank visa pages. 
• Visa Application Form: Duly filled Schengen visa application form signed by the applicant. 
• Photographs:  2 recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. 
• Proof of Funds: Last 6 months’ bank statements showing sufficient balance. 
• Return Flight Tickets: Confirmed round-trip flight/transportation bookings with dates. 
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings covering the entire stay or rental agreement if staying with relatives. 
• Purpose of Visit:  Invitation letter from the host if visiting friends/family, a business invitation if for work. 
• Identity Proof: Original CNIC/NICOP and its copy. 
• Income Documents: Last 3 months salary slips, tax returns, property/business documents if self-employed.
• Passport Copies:  Previous passports’ copies if any and used pages. 
• Travel History: Copies of stamps if previously traveled to Schengen states.

Providing complete documentation is essential to support your application and visa issuance chances.

Italy Visit Visa Application Process from Pakistan

To apply for an Italy visit visa from Pakistan, follow these steps:

1. Choose the nearest visa application center:  There are centers in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Book an appointment online.

2. Fill out the visa application form: Download the form from the VFS Global website, fill it and sign it. Include details of your travel dates, accommodation, etc. 

3. Prepare required documents:  We’ll cover the full document checklist in the next section. Get all documents ready before your appointment. 

4. Pay the visa fee: The visa fee for a Schengen tourist/business visa from Pakistan is 60 Euros, payable by credit/debit card or cash at the center. 

5. Attend your appointment and submit documents: Reach the center on time for your biometrics (fingerprints + photograph) to be captured. 

6. Visa processing and decision: The standard processing time is 15 calendar days. You may be asked for additional documents or clarification.

7. Collect your passport:  Once approved, your passport will be ready for collection from the same center.

Italy Visa Processing Time in Pakistan

The standard processing time for an Italian visit visa application from Pakistan is 2-3 weeks. However, this may vary depending on several factors:

• Application Center: Processing is generally faster in Islamabad compared to other cities. 
• Visa Type: Business visas may take slightly longer than tourist visas.
• Documentation: Incomplete forms or missing documents can lead to delays in clarification requests. 

In most routine cases with complete documentation, visas are issued within 15 calendar days. You can track your application status online using the tracking ID provided.

Italy Visa Application Centers in Pakistan

There are 3 authorized visa application centers in Pakistan managed by VFS Global where you can apply for an Italy visit visa:

• Islamabad: Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar, Islamabad 
• Lahore:  20 Ex American Centre, Queens Road, Lahore
• Karachi: Bahria Complex IV, Main Clifton Road, Karachi

These centers are open Monday-Friday from 9:00-17:00. You must book an application appointment online in advance. On the scheduled date, biometrics will be captured followed by document submission.

Tips for a Successful Italy Visa Application

To maximize your chances of visa approval, consider the following tips when applying:

• Apply well in advance, at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel dates. 
• Provide clear, consistent, and truthful information throughout the process. 
• Give a detailed itinerary with specific locations and activities planned in Italy. 
• Show strong ties to home like a stable job, owned property, family obligations, etc.  
• Have a higher bank balance and income than the minimum requirements. 
• Provide travel insurance from a Schengen-approved company.
• Get invitation letters from hotels/families for a more compelling purpose of visit.
• Mention any previous Schengen travel history and its purpose/duration.

Following these best practices can help your visa application stand out positively to the authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions