France Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Complete France Schengen visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Pakistani citizens. Updated December 2026.

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Last updated: Jan 28, 2026
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At a glance

Visa required Visa-free / eTA
Fee 90 EUR
Processing 15 working days
Approval rate 50%

Max stay: 90 days

Overview

Planning a trip to France as a Pakistani citizen? This Schengen visa, applied through France, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days. Current fees are €90 for adults, and processing typically takes 15 working days from your embassy appointment. With careful preparation and strong documentation, you can improve your chances of approval in this competitive corridor.

Visa Application process

Follow these steps to apply for your France Schengen visa:

Determine your travel dates and create a detailed itinerary

Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure France is your main destination or first entry point.1

Create an account on France-Visas portal

Visit france-visas.gouv.fr and create your personal account.1 Use the Visa Wizard to confirm you need a visa and generate your personalized document checklist.

Complete the online visa application form

Fill out the Schengen visa application on France-Visas.1 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.

Book your appointment through AEG Pakistan

Schedule your embassy appointment through one of the 10 AEG offices across Pakistan.3 Appointment slots can be limited, so book 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season.

Gather all required documents

Collect your passport, CNIC, photographs, bank statements (6 months), employment proof, tax documents, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist carefully.2

Purchase Schengen travel insurance

Buy travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all Schengen states and your entire travel period. Only electronic policies from approved companies are accepted.2

Attend your interview at the French Embassy in Islamabad

The embassy is located in Diplomatic Enclave G5, Islamabad.3 Bring your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents. Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured, and you will have an in-person interview.

Pay visa fee

Pay the €90 visa fee (€45 for children 6-12, free for under 6) plus the AEG service charge.2

Track application status

Check your application progress on the France-Visas tracking portal using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 working days but can extend during peak periods.1

Collect passport with visa decision

Once processed, collect your passport from your designated pickup location. Your visa sticker will show validity dates, number of entries allowed, and duration of stay. Applications can be submitted 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.1

Visa Fees breakdown

Category: Visa Fee Adults: €90 (~PKR 25,200) Children (6-12 years): €45 (~PKR 12,600) Children (under 6): Free The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.2 Exchange rates fluctuate, so the PKR equivalent may vary at the time of payment. Fee waivers are available for certain categories, including children under 6, students and teachers on study trips, researchers, and representatives of non-profit organizations engaged in cultural or educational activities.4

What you need to prove

French consular officers assess Pakistani applications with particular attention to these criteria:

Required documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Visa Application Form
  • Biometric Photographs
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • Flight Reservations
  • Accommodation Confirmation
  • Detailed Travel Itinerary
  • Cover Letter
  • Bank Statements
  • Employment Documentation
  • Ties to Home Country
  • Biometrics and Interview
  • National ID Card (CNIC)
  • Signed Declarations

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area • Issued within the last 10 years; • At least two blank pages required; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include photocopies of biometric page] (Tip: Submit old passports showing previous international travel historyPrevious Schengen, UK, US, or Gulf country visas strengthen your application significantly)

Visa Application Form

Complete the Schengen visa application form using the France-Visas online portal • Fill out all fields accurately on france-visas.gouv.fr; • Print all pages including barcodes after completion; • Sign the form with the same signature as your passport; • One form per applicant, including children] (Tip: Double-check passport numbers, dates, and spelling before submissionEnsure all information matches your supporting documents exactly)

Biometric Photographs

Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications • Size: 35mm x 45mm; • White background, taken within last 6 months; • Full face visible, neutral expression; • No glasses, head covering allowed only for religious reasons] (Tip: Get professional photos from a studio familiar with Schengen requirementsBring extra copies to your embassy appointment)

Travel Medical Insurance

Valid travel insurance covering all Schengen countries for your entire stay • Minimum coverage: €30,000 (approximately PKR 8.4 million); • Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation; • Valid for all 29 Schengen member states; • Coverage dates must match or exceed your travel dates; • Only electronic Schengen insurance policies from approved companies are accepted] (Tip: Purchase insurance only after your appointment is confirmedMany Pakistani insurance providers offer Schengen-compliant policiesEnsure the policy explicitly states Schengen Area coverage)

Flight Reservations

Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen Area • Flight reservations with confirmed booking reference; • Should show entry into and exit from Schengen Area; • Must match the dates in your application] (Tip: Get a flight reservation or hold ticket without full paymentDo not purchase non-refundable tickets until visa is approvedTravel agents can provide reservation confirmations)

Accommodation Confirmation

Proof of where you will stay during your visit to France • Hotel reservations for your entire stay; • If staying with family or friends, provide attestation d'accueil (hosting certificate); • Must cover all nights of your planned stay] (Tip: Choose hotels with free cancellation until visa is approvedFor multiple-city trips, provide accommodation for each locationAttestation d'accueil significantly strengthens applications for family visits)

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Day-by-day plan of your activities and movements in France and other Schengen countries • Cities you will visit and duration in each; • Planned tourist activities and attractions; • Transportation between cities if visiting multiple locations; • If visiting other Schengen countries, include those details] (Tip: Apply to the country where you'll spend the most nightsIf equal time in multiple countries, apply to your first point of entryBe specific: include museum names, tours, and activities)

Cover Letter

Personal letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip • Purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, business); • Planned duration and activities; • How you will fund the trip; • Strong statement confirming your intention to return to Pakistan] (Tip: Keep it concise and factual, one page maximumAddress it to the Consulate General of FranceEmphasize your ties to Pakistan and reasons for returning)

Bank Statements

Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of statements (minimum 3 months); • Should show regular income and stable balance; • Balance should comfortably cover trip costs (minimum €100 per day recommended); • Statements must display your name and account number; • Must be stamped and signed by the bank] (Tip: Avoid sudden large deposits just before applyingShow consistent salary credits matching your employment letterInclude fixed deposits, savings accounts, and investment certificatesConvert PKR amounts to EUR for reference)

Employment Documentation

Evidence of your employment status and income in Pakistan • Employment letter on company letterhead stating position, salary, joining date; • Leave sanction letter confirming approved leave for your travel dates; • Last 6 months' salary slips; • National Tax Number (NTN) certificate and tax returns] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration (SECP), NTN, and recent business bank statementsStudents should submit university enrollment letter and parents' sponsorship documentsRetired individuals should provide pension statements and retirement documentation)

Ties to Home Country

Documentation proving your intention to return to Pakistan after your trip • Property ownership documents (sale deed, property tax receipts); • Family ties: NADRA marriage certificate, birth certificates of children; • Business ownership documents: company registration, partnership deeds; • Ongoing educational enrollment with next semester registration] (Tip: This is critical for Pakistani applicants: provide comprehensive evidenceYoung, single applicants should provide extra documentationInclude proof of ongoing commitments requiring your return)

Biometrics and Interview

Fingerprints, photograph, and in-person interview at the French Embassy in Islamabad • Required for all applicants; • Interview is mandatory at the French Embassy in Islamabad; • Biometrics valid for 59 months if previously provided for a Schengen visa; • Bring original passport and all supporting documents] (Tip: Book your appointment through AEG Pakistan well in advanceBe prepared to answer questions about your trip in English or FrenchDress professionally and arrive 15 minutes early)

National ID Card (CNIC)

Valid Computerized National Identity Card issued by NADRA • Photocopy of both sides of CNIC; • Must be valid and not expired] (Tip: Ensure your CNIC address matches your current address documentation)

Signed Declarations

Mandatory declarations confirming accuracy of information and insurance coverage • Declaration confirming all information provided is truthful; • Confirmation of valid travel medical insurance; • Available as part of the France-Visas application form] (Tip: Read carefully before signingFalse information can lead to permanent visa bans)

Optional documents

Invitation Letter / Attestation d'Accueil

Invitation Letter / Attestation d'Accueil

Formal invitation from your host in France, preferably with attestation d'accueil • Host's full name, address, and contact details; • Copy of host's passport or residence permit (titre de séjour); • Relationship to you and purpose of visit; • Attestation d'accueil (official hosting certificate) from French authorities] (Tip: Attestation d'accueil must be obtained by your host from their local mairie (town hall)Include proof of host's legal residence and employment in FranceHost's financial documents add credibility to your application)

Comparison

Category Visa Fee AEG Service Charge Total Approximate Cost
Adults €90 (~PKR 25,200) ~€30 (~PKR 8,400) ~PKR 33,600
Children (6-12 years) €45 (~PKR 12,600) ~€30 (~PKR 8,400) ~PKR 21,000
Children (under 6) Free ~€30 (~PKR 8,400) ~PKR 8,400

Common rejection reasons

% Reason
35% Weak Ties to Home Country
30% Insufficient Financial Means
15% Unclear Travel Purpose
10% Previous Visa Issues
10% Documentation Problems

35% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Provide property documents, family certificates, stable employment proof, business registration, and ongoing commitments requiring your return.

30% - Insufficient Financial Means

How to avoid: Maintain stable balance for 6 months showing regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. Show €100 per day minimum.

15% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Provide detailed day-by-day plans with specific destinations, activities, and all accommodation booked.

10% - Previous Visa Issues

How to avoid: Disclose all previous refusals honestly. Address past issues in your cover letter. Consider consulting a visa specialist if you have violations.

10% - Documentation Problems

How to avoid: Review the complete checklist multiple times. Get certified translations for all non-English documents. Ensure all documents are current and clearly legible.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days across all Schengen countries combined over a rolling 6-month window. You cannot circumvent this by leaving and immediately re-entering.

Can I visit other European countries with a France Schengen visa?

Yes! A Schengen visa issued by France grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How long does it take to get a France Schengen visa from Pakistan?

Standard processing is 15 working days after your interview at the French Embassy. During peak seasons or if additional documents are requested, processing may extend to 30-45 days. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your travel date to account for appointment availability and potential delays.

What is the France Schengen visa approval rate for Pakistani citizens?

Pakistani applicants face higher scrutiny for Schengen visas, with overall Schengen approval rates around 50-52%. Success depends heavily on documentation quality, financial proof, and demonstrating strong ties to Pakistan. Thorough preparation significantly improves your chances.

Where do I apply for a France Schengen visa in Pakistan?

You must apply at the French Embassy in Islamabad. AEG Pakistan handles appointment scheduling through their offices in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Book your appointment through AEG, then attend your interview and biometrics at the French Embassy in Islamabad. The Consulate General in Karachi does not process visa applications.

How much money should I show in my bank account for a France Schengen visa?

While there's no fixed minimum, it's recommended to show at least €100 per day of your stay. For a 2-week trip, this would be approximately €1,400 (PKR 390,000). Your bank statements should show stable income and consistent balance over 6 months, not sudden large deposits.

Do I need to book flights and hotels before getting my visa?

You need flight reservations and hotel bookings, but do not purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval. Travel agents can provide flight reservation confirmations without full payment. For hotels, choose options with free cancellation policies.

Is an interview required for a France Schengen visa from Pakistan?

Yes, an in-person interview at the French Embassy in Islamabad is mandatory for all Pakistani applicants. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose, itinerary, financial situation, ties to Pakistan, and reasons for returning. Interviews are typically brief but thorough.

What happens if my France Schengen visa is rejected?

If rejected, you'll receive a written refusal letter with the specific reason. You can either submit a new application with corrected documentation (no waiting period required), or file an appeal to the Commission de Recours in Nantes, France within two months. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a France Schengen visa?

Yes, travel medical insurance is absolutely mandatory. It must have minimum coverage of €30,000, be valid for all Schengen member states, cover your entire stay, and include medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. Only electronic Schengen insurance policies from approved companies are accepted since 2015.

Apply for France tourist visa online

Sources

France-Visas Official Portal

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/

French Embassy in Pakistan

https://pk.ambafrance.org/Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-Pakistan

France-Visas Pakistan Country Page

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/pakistan

European Commission - Schengen Visa Statistics

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/short-stay-visas-issued-schengen-countries_en

SchengenVisaInfo.com - France Visa Statistics

https://schengenvisainfo.com/statistics/france/

SchengenVisaInfo.com - Pakistan Statistics

https://schengenvisainfo.com/statistics/pakistan/

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