If you're planning to visit France as a tourist from Pakistan in 2025, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa through the French Embassy in Islamabad. The process involves submitting several key documents, including a bank statement, to prove your financial stability during your stay in France. In this guide, we'll go through the essential steps, document requirements, and specific bank statement details you'll need to meet for a successful visa application.

Overview of the Schengen Visa Application Process

For citizens of Pakistan who wish to visit France as tourists, obtaining a Schengen visa is mandatory. A Schengen visa allows you to stay in France, as well as other Schengen Area countries, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The process can take anywhere from 15 to 20 days, so it's important to apply well in advance of your planned departure.

How to Apply for the France Schengen Visa from Pakistan

To begin the visa application process, you will need to submit your application to the French Embassy in Islamabad. The embassy will review your application, including your supporting documents, to make a decision on whether to approve your visa. Be prepared for an interview as part of the process.

The application process is quite straightforward, but timing is crucial. You should apply as early as possible—at least 15 to 20 days before your planned travel date. This will allow ample time for processing, including any unexpected delays. Here's a breakdown of the key steps in the process:

1. Fill out the visa application form accurately.
2. Submit your documents (more details below).
3. Attend the visa interview at the French Embassy in Islamabad.
4. Wait for the decision, which can take 15 to 20 days.

Documents Required for France Schengen Visa

The French Embassy requires several documents to process your Schengen visa application. Below is a comprehensive list of the documents you need to prepare and submit:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in France, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Travel Itinerary: You need to provide proof of your travel plans, such as hotel bookings, flight reservations, or a detailed itinerary outlining your trip's dates and locations in France.
• Return Ticket Reservation: A confirmed return flight ticket or an itinerary showing your departure from France at the end of your trip.
• Proof of Employment: Provide an employment certificate or contract, including details about your job, salary, and leave approval. This will prove your professional ties to Pakistan.
• Bank Statements: The embassy will require bank statements for the last 6 months to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your trip. These statements should reflect regular income or savings. In addition to this, you will need to provide salary slips for the last 3 months.
• Proof of Accommodation: You will need proof of where you will be staying in France. This could be a hotel reservation, a lease agreement, or an invitation letter from a private individual if you're staying with someone.
• Travel Health Insurance: A travel insurance certificate is required for all Schengen states. This insurance should cover potential medical expenses, accidents, or repatriation during your stay in France.

France Visa Application Fee

As of 2025, the visa application fee for a France Schengen visa is 90 euros. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting your application. It covers the cost of processing your visa application and is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected.

Minimum Bank Statement for France Schengen Visa from Pakistan

One of the most critical requirements for obtaining a France Schengen visa is proving that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in France. The French authorities want to ensure that you can support yourself during your trip without relying on public funds or assistance from others.

According to the guidelines for 2025, the minimum amount required to show financial stability is 120 euros per day of your stay in France. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, this means you must have at least 10,800 euros available in your bank account. This amount includes your daily expenses, travel, accommodation, food, and any other miscellaneous costs during your stay.

For Pakistani applicants, the exchange rate as of January 30, 2025, is approximately 1 euro = 289.99 PKR. Therefore, if you plan to stay in France for 90 days, you will need to have at least Rs. 3,000,000 in your bank account to meet the financial requirement. The bank statement should reflect your ability to maintain this balance during the period leading up to your application.

How to Prove Your Financial Stability

Providing evidence of your financial status is essential when applying for a Schengen visa. The bank statement should show your full name, account number, and the transactions over the last 6 months. It should also show that you have a steady income or sufficient savings to cover your expenses during the trip.

If you do not have a large enough balance in your personal bank account, there are other ways you can demonstrate your financial ability to pay for the trip:

• Financial Support from Family or Friends: If someone is sponsoring your trip, you can submit a letter from the sponsor, along with their bank statements and proof of their ability to support you financially.
• Proof of Savings or Investments: If you have other financial assets like property, fixed deposits, or investments, you can provide evidence of these to further strengthen your application.

Practical Advice for Meeting the Bank Statement Requirement

It’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure that your bank balance reflects the required amount for a few months before you apply. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid Large, Unexplained Deposits: Any large, sudden deposits in your bank account can raise red flags. Ideally, your bank statements should show regular income or savings accumulation over time.
• Maintain a Stable Balance: Your bank account should consistently maintain a balance close to the required amount for the full 6-month period. If your balance fluctuates too much, it may raise concerns about your financial stability.
• Get a Bank Letter: In some cases, it may be helpful to ask your bank for a letter confirming your account balance and the transaction history for the last 6 months.

Other Key Considerations

Aside from the bank statement, there are other aspects you should consider while preparing your France Schengen visa application. Here are a few additional tips for a successful application:

• Submit Complete Documents: Make sure that all required documents are submitted in the proper format. Incomplete applications can result in delays or rejection.
• Follow Up on Your Application: After your application has been submitted, follow up with the embassy if necessary to ensure that there are no issues with your application.
• Keep Your Travel Plans Flexible: While your visa application is being processed, keep your travel dates flexible in case of delays. It’s better to apply early than to risk last-minute complications.

Conclusion

Applying for a France Schengen visa as a tourist from Pakistan requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to proving that you have enough funds for your trip. The minimum bank balance requirement for a 90-day stay in France is substantial, but with proper planning and the right documents, you can ensure a smooth application process. Remember to gather all the necessary paperwork well in advance, including your bank statements, employment details, and travel itinerary, to avoid any last-minute issues. By following these guidelines, you will increase your chances of a successful visa application and enjoy your visit to France without any complications.