The long-awaited reopening comes more than a year after Sweden indefinitely shut its embassy in April 2023, citing security concerns. The closure had brought visa processing to a complete halt, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. The embassy s official notice at the time stated, “We understand that this will cause inconvenience; however, the safety of our applicants and staff members are of highest priority.”

After more than a year of silence, the embassy quietly reopened in April 2025. But the major breakthrough came during bilateral consultations held on July 2 in Stockholm between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Sweden. It was during this meeting that Sweden announced its decision to restore visa operations.

 “Effective July 7, 2025, Pakistani nationals can apply for a Schengen visa from within Pakistan for visits to Sweden of up to 90 days,” confirmed the Foreign Office in a statement issued Monday.

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The FO welcomed the move, calling it a “positive development” that reflects the growing strength of bilateral ties. The Pakistani delegation at the Stockholm talks was led by the additional foreign secretary (Europe), while the Swedish side was represented by the director general for global affairs.

This visa resumption is more than just a diplomatic routine — it signals a shift in Sweden’s confidence in Pakistan’s security environment and governance. For Pakistani students, tourists, and business professionals, this reopening will unlock long-paused opportunities. From a geopolitical perspective, the revival of consular operations also points toward healthier, deeper cooperation between the two nations in the European context.