This Schengen visa, applied through France, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for tourism, family visits, or business trips up to 90 days.1 France processes visa applications for Pakistani citizens exclusively through the French Embassy in Islamabad, with appointment scheduling managed by AEG Pakistan offices in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.2

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your France Schengen visa:

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. 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

Fees

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:

Strong ties to Pakistan: This is the most critical factor for Pakistani applicants. Property ownership, stable employment with tenure, family dependents, business commitments, and ongoing educational enrollment all demonstrate your intention to return.2 Young, single applicants face the highest scrutiny.

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and cover letter must demonstrate a clear, believable tourism intent. Vague plans or missing details raise immediate concerns.1

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements should show consistent income and adequate funds over 6 months. A minimum of €100 per day is recommended.2 Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying, as these appear suspicious.

Clean visa history: Previous compliance with visa conditions in Schengen, UK, US, or Gulf countries significantly strengthens your application. Include old passports showing previous visas and entry/exit stamps.2

Adequate insurance coverage: Your travel insurance must meet exact Schengen specifications: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all member states, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.4 Insufficient coverage leads to automatic rejection.

Processing Times

Standard processing for France Schengen visas is 15 working days from when your application is submitted at the embassy.3 The complete timeline includes:

• Appointment booking to interview: Variable (book 4-6 weeks ahead)
• Embassy processing: 15 working days (standard)3
• Extended processing: Up to 30-45 days if additional documents requested

Total realistic timeline: 4-8 weeks from appointment booking to receiving your passport with visa decision.

During peak travel seasons and religious holidays, processing can extend significantly.3 Appointment availability also becomes limited during summer months.

Application timing rules:

• Earliest: 6 months before travel
• Latest: 15 days before departure
• Recommended: Apply 8-10 weeks before your trip1

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker will display:

• Validity period: The dates between which you can enter the Schengen Area
• Duration of stay: Maximum days allowed (up to 90 days within 180 days)
• Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple entry
• Territorial validity: Usually “États Schengen” (Schengen States) unless restricted

At border control: Immigration officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, return ticket, and financial means. Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return flight ticket, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds (bank card, some cash).

The 90/180 rule: You can stay maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.4 Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and bans on future Schengen visas.

Extending your stay: Schengen tourist visas cannot be extended except in extraordinary circumstances (serious illness, force majeure). Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.

If Your Visa is Refused

If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written refusal letter stating the reason based on the standardized EU refusal form (Annex VI of the Visa Code).1 For Pakistani applicants, common refusal reasons include insufficient ties to home country, inadequate financial proof, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documentation.

Your options after refusal:

1. Reapply with corrected documentation: There is no mandatory waiting period. Address the specific issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application with strengthened documentation. The visa fee must be paid again.

2. File an appeal (recours): You can contest the decision through the Commission de Recours contre les Refus de Visa in Nantes, France. This must be done within two months of receiving the refusal. Appeals should be in French and must include the original refusal letter.

The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.2

Improving your reapplication:

• Carefully analyze the refusal reasons provided
• Strengthen weak areas, especially ties to Pakistan and financial proof
• Provide additional supporting documents
• Build travel history through easier destinations if this is your first international trip
• Consider consulting with a visa specialist if refused multiple times
• Never submit false documents, as this can result in permanent bans

With proper preparation and complete documentation addressing the specific concerns, many applicants who are initially refused succeed on subsequent attempts.5