Italy Has Not Stopped Issuing Visas to Pakistani Citizens, Officials Confirm

Claims that Italy has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani citizens are inaccurate, as no official ban has been announced by the Italian government, the European Union, or any credible international news agency. Italian authorities and official service providers continue to process visa applications across multiple categories.

The Italian Embassy in Islamabad, along with authorised service providers such as BLS International, is still accepting and processing applications for tourism, study, work, and family reunification visas. While applicants may face additional scrutiny in certain categories, visa services remain operational.

As part of recent policy updates, Italy introduced enhanced security measures effective January 10, 2025. Under these rules, all long-term (D-visa) applicants, including students, are required to provide biometrics in person at the consulate. The move is aimed at strengthening verification procedures and aligns with broader European security practices.

In late 2024, some visa categories  particularly work visas experienced temporary delays or partial suspensions due to stricter verification requirements. However, these measures did not amount to a complete halt or blanket ban on visas for Pakistani nationals.

Officials emphasise that any genuine policy changes are communicated only through official Italian government channels. Applicants are advised to rely on embassy announcements and authorised service providers rather than unverified social media claims.