Schengen Visit Visa 2026 – Complete Guide for Pakistani Applicants (All Schengen Countries)

Traveling to Europe has become one of the most popular choices for tourism, family visits, and short business trips. With a Schengen Visit Visa, Pakistani passport holders can travel to 27 European countries on a single visa.

This detailed 2026 guide explains the official Schengen visa fee (€90), eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, financial requirements, processing times, and expert tips to increase approval chances.

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What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows you to:

• Travel across all Schengen member states

• Stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period

• Visit for tourism

• Visit family or friends

• Attend business meetings or conferences

• Participate in short training programs

Once issued, the visa allows free movement between Schengen countries without internal border checks.

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Schengen Countries (2026)

The Schengen Area includes:

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

You must apply through the embassy or consulate of:

• The country where you will stay the longest, OR

• The country of first entry if stays are equal

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Official Schengen Visa Fee 2026

Schengen Visa Fee: €90 (Adults)

This is the official visa application fee set by Schengen authorities.

Children between 6–12 years: €45
Children under 6 years: Usually exempt

Additional service charges may apply if applying through a Visa Application Center (VFS or similar), depending on the country.

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What the Schengen Visa Allows

With an approved Schengen visa, you can:

• Travel to all 27 Schengen countries

• Stay up to 90 days within 180 days

• Enter multiple countries on one visa (if multiple-entry granted)

• Attend tourism and short-term business activities

You cannot work with a Schengen visit visa.

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Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

To qualify for a Schengen visit visa, you must demonstrate:

1. Genuine Travel Purpose

Clear reason for visit (tourism, family visit, business).

2. Strong Financial Stability

Proof that you can afford travel and stay expenses.

3. Strong Ties to Pakistan

Employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, property ownership, or ongoing education.

4. Clean Travel & Immigration History

Previous compliance with visa rules improves approval chances.

5. Travel Medical Insurance

Mandatory insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across the Schengen area.

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Financial Requirements

While there is no universal fixed bank balance requirement, applicants should generally show:

• 6 months bank statements

• Stable income source

• Sufficient balance to cover flights, accommodation, food, transportation

• No sudden unexplained deposits

Each country may have its own daily expense expectation.

As a general guideline, applicants should demonstrate enough funds for:

• Return airfare

• Hotel accommodation

• Daily expenses (varies by country)

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Required Documents

Typical document checklist includes:

• Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months after return)

• Completed Schengen visa application form

• Passport-sized photographs

• Visa fee payment (€90)

• Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)

• Flight reservation

• Hotel booking or invitation letter

• 6 months bank statements

• Employment letter or business documents

• Tax documents (if applicable)

• Cover letter explaining travel purpose

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Property documents (if available)

Embassies may request additional documents.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Main Destination

Identify which country’s embassy you must apply through.

Step 2: Book Visa Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the relevant embassy or Visa Application Center.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Organize financial, employment, and travel documentation carefully.

Step 4: Attend Appointment

Submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and documents.

Step 5: Pay Visa Fee

Pay the official €90 Schengen visa fee.

Step 6: Wait for Decision

Processing time generally ranges between 15–30 calendar days.

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Processing Time (2026)

Standard processing time:

• Around 15 calendar days

• May extend to 30–45 days during peak season

Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel.

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Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Refusal

• Weak financial documentation

• Insufficient proof of return intent

• Fake hotel or flight bookings

• Unclear travel purpose

• Incomplete documentation

• Low bank balance

Professional document preparation significantly improves approval probability.

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Expert Tips for Higher Approval Chances

Provide genuine and verifiable bookings
Avoid large unexplained deposits before application
Write a strong and detailed cover letter
Show stable employment or business history
Demonstrate clear travel plan with daily itinerary
Apply through the correct embassy

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Summary of Official Cost

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Final Thoughts

The Schengen Visit Visa 2026 remains one of the most valuable travel visas, allowing access to 27 European countries with a single application. The official visa fee is €90, and approval depends heavily on financial strength, documentation quality, and strong ties to your home country.

Proper preparation, clear travel intent, and well-structured documentation are the key factors that determine success.