What is a Visa?
A Visa is an authorization issued by the representative of the Government of a country permitting a person, not resident in that country, to enter its boundaries, subjected to immigration control of the country.
How do I know if I need a Visa?
Depending on your nationality, kindly log on to the website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ to check whether you require a Visa to travel to Italy or Not.
Can I travel within the Schengen countries with a single entry visa?
Yes. Once you have entered the Schengen territory, single entry visa allows the holder to circulate within the Schengen territory multiple numbers of times. However, if the holder of this visa leaves the Schengen territory, he/she cannot re-enter again without a new valid visa.
Can I apply at the Italy Visa Application Centre if I want to go to Madrid or Paris? Can I arrange for booking accordingly?
If you plan to apply for your Schengen Visa at the Italy Visa Application Centre, your main destination and the maximum period of stay in the Schengen States must be in Italy. You must provide proof to support that Italy is: Main Destination; Country related with the main purpose of travel. Country with maximum period of stay. State of first entry.
Is the Visa valid for Italy only?
The Embassy of Italy in Islamabad and Consulate General of Italy in Karachi issue Schengen visa for Italy which also allows the holder to travel within the Schengen territory. Schengen visa issued by the Italian Mission gives access to all the 26 Schengen countries. In case the applicant intends to visit various Schengen countries, the country responsible to issue the relevant visa for the entire duration of the trip, including for other Schengen countries will be determined in the following order: Main destination. Country related with the main purpose of travel. Country with maximum period of stay. State of first entry.
Who is BLS?
BLS is the outsourced partner to the Embassy of Italy in Pakistan and the Consulate General of Italy in Karachi. The Italian Visa Application Centre of BLS functions as a collection and processing center to guarantee a better service in response to the growing demand for Italian visas from applicants residing in Pakistan.
How can I contact the Italian Visa Application Centre?
You can contact the Italian Visa Application Centre via the Helpline, by email or in person. Please see our contact information section for details.
How early can I apply?
Applicants are free to apply up to 180 days prior to their date of travel. However, all applications must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the proposed date of travel to accommodate any unforeseen processing delays.
How long do I have to wait for the Visa once I submit my application?
In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been processed. Sometimes it can take up to 45 days in case it is necessary to make a more detailed exam of the application.
Can the Italy Visa Application Centre prepare my application for me?
The Italy Visa Application Centre does not prepare visa applications, but accepts and processes applications in accordance with the instructions issued by the Embassy of Italy and Consulate General of Italy-Karachi.
How do I submit my application at the Application Centre?
Applicants need to take prior appointment thru BLS website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ and can submit their Application in Italy Visa Application center.
Yes, it is mandatory to come personally. However, for collection of passport, if you are unable to make it in person, you can send any representative for collection with a letter of authorization by you on Company’s Letter Head, identification document (Photo ID proof copy) & original acknowledgement receipt from BLS. Applications by Post are not accepted and shall be returned without processing the application.
Which visa (category) should I apply for?
The Italy Visa Application Centre is an acceptance center and, as such, is not authorized to advise/recommend any visa type to a prospective applicant. The applicant will have to find out the visa category he/she is eligible for based on the purpose of travel. He /she can do so by visiting
What are the documents required for Italy Visa?
After deciding the eligible visa category applicants can visit the Italy Visa Application Centre’s website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ to check the recommended documents for the Visa category they have chosen. Photocopies are recommended as documents will not be returned. Submit originals only where specified.
What if I do not have all the documents?
If your application is not accompanied by the documents that are requested by the Embassy of Italy in Pakistan and the Consulate General of Italy in Karachi, you will be asked if you wish to proceed with the application without all the requested documents. Should you consent to this, your application will be registered in our system and accepted for further processing. Kindly take note that submission of incomplete applications will lead to processing delays.
Do I need prior appointment for submission of Schengen Visa?
Prior appointments are required to submit your Schengen visa applications. All resident of Federal Territory, Punjab & KPK can submit their Schengen visa applications in any of BLS Italy visa application center in Islamabad, Lahore and All resident of Sindh and Baluchistan can submit their applications in Karachi. For more details please visit the website – https://blsitalypakistan.com/.
What proof will I have that Italy Visa Application Centre has my visa application?
Once your application has been registered in our system, you will be issued a receipt for the fees you have paid and it would be possible to track your visa at https://blsitalypakistan.com/.
What are the applicable fees?
Every visa application needs to be accompanied by a visa fee for the amount applicable to your chosen visa category. This needs to be paid in https://blsitalypakistan.com/.
What is procedure to get my passport back?
Once the application has been processed by the Italy Embassy/ Consulate General and your passport has been returned to the Visa application center, you will need to bring your receipt in original and acceptance proof with you for collection of your passport. For Pass back (return of passport) timings, please visit the Contact us page.
Can the Italy Visa Application Centre post my passport back?
No, The Italy Visa Application Centre cannot courier your application to you.
What are the Information Letters?
If the Embassy of Italy in Pakistan or the General Consulate of Italy in Karachi are unable to return the application to you because they would like to request additional documents, schedule you for a personal interview or require additional time to correspond with Home Office, this update is normally sent in a letter individually addressed to the applicant, and remains at the Italy Visa Application Centre until collected by the applicant or an authorized representative.
How do I know, if I need national visa for Italy?
Depending on your nationality, kindly log on to the website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ to check whether you require a National visa to travel to Italy or Not.
Is the Visa valid for Italy Only?
Yes, National visa is only valid for Italy
Who is BLS?
BLS is the outsourced partner to the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad and Consulate General of Italy in Karachi. The Italy Visa Application Centre of BLS functions as a collection and processing Centre to guarantee a better service in response to the growing demand for Italian visas from applicants residing in Pakistan.
How can I contact BLS Visa Centers?
You can contact the Italy Visa Application Centre via the Helpline: +92 51 8490870 by email: info.pakistan@blshelpline.com or in person. Please see our contact information section for details.
How early can I apply?
Once your file is completed as per requirements of Embassy of Italy You are free to apply up to 90 days prior to date of travel.
Do I need prior appointment for submission of National Visa?
Prior appointments are required to submit your national visa applications. All resident of Federal Territory, Punjab & KPK can submit their national visa applications in any of BLS Italy visa application center in Islamabad, Lahore and All resident of Sindh and Baluchistan can submit their applications in Karachi. For more details please visit the website – https://blsitalypakistan.com/.
How long do I have to wait for once my visa is submitted?
Processing time of National Visa is the sole discretion of the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad and Consulate General of Italy in Karachi. For more Information on your already submitted visa, you can email Embassy at: <-------------->.
Can Italy Visa Application center prepare my application for me?
The Italy Visa Application Centre does not prepare visa applications, but accepts and processes applications in accordance with the instructions issued by the Embassy of Italy in Pakistan. However, wide range of Value added services like: form filling, photocopy, photographs, premium lounge and SMS are available as an optional services.
How do I submit my application at application center?
Applicants need to take prior appointment through BLS website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ and can submit their Application in Italy Visa Application center.
Do I have to come personally OR can I send application to Italy Visa application Centre?
Yes, it is mandatory to come personally for submission.
Which Visa Category Should I apply for?
The Italy Visa Application Centre is an acceptance Centre and, as such, is not authorized to advise/recommend any visa type to a prospective applicant. The applicant will have to find out the visa category he/she is eligible for based on the purpose of travel. He /she can do so by visiting our website and reviewing all checklists available there.
What are documents required for National Visa?
After deciding the eligible visa category applicants can visit the Italy Visa Application Centre’s website https://blsitalypakistan.com/ and can submit their Application in Italy Visa Application center.
What if, I do not have complete documents?
Only complete application will be accepted for Visa processing. Please visit the page for documents required to prepare the Visa Application.
What proof will I have that Italy Visa application center has my visa application?
Once your application has been registered in our system, you will be issued a receipt for the fees you have paid and it would be possible to track your visa at https://blsitalypakistan.com/.
What are applicable fee?
Every visa application needs to be accompanied by a visa fee for the amount applicable to your chosen visa category. This needs to be paid in Pakistani Rupees. Please visit the Visa type page for more fee information.
What is procedure to get my passport back?
Once the application has been processed by the Italy Embassy and your passport has been returned to the Visa application Centre, you will need to bring your receipt in original and Original & Copy of CNIC with you for collection of your passport. For Pass back (return of passport) timings, please visit the Contact us page https://blsitalypakistan.com/
What if I cannot return to collect my passport in Person?
For Security reasons the applicants are encourage to visit the application center along with the original BLS Receipt to collect the passport. In an event it cannot be done, please opt for the Courier Service mentioned on the website: https://blsitalypakistan.com/
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