In a significant move affecting thousands of applicants, the German Consulate in Karachi has announced the immediate suspension of all visa and consular services for non-EU citizens. The decision, which took effect from July 28, 2025, includes the cancellation of all existing appointments, regardless of category or urgency, and halts new appointment registrations until further notice.

The announcement has created uncertainty for travelers, students, professionals, and families who had planned visits, studies, or relocations to Germany through Karachi.

Impact of the Suspension

The suspension is far-reaching in scope. It applies to all visa categories including student, work, family reunion, tourist, business, and long-term national visas. Document attestation services are also on hold. This move exclusively targets non-EU citizens, with Pakistani applicants from Sindh and Balochistan primarily affected due to Karachi being their designated consulate.

All confirmed appointments have been canceled, and the consulate has clearly stated that these appointments will not be rescheduled automatically. Applicants will need to re-book entirely new appointments when services resume.

No Online Booking Available

The online appointment system has been temporarily disabled, meaning no new applications can be initiated or submitted. Those who were preparing to schedule visa interviews or document submissions must now wait for formal updates from the consulate before proceeding.

The consulate has not yet provided a timeline for the resumption of services, leading to further uncertainty for affected individuals.

Possible Reasons for the Closure

While the consulate has not provided a detailed explanation, the move follows a broader trend of tightening visa procedures globally, often due to administrative load, staffing adjustments, or diplomatic reasons. This latest halt adds to a series of disruptions experienced by applicants in recent months across various embassies and consulates in the region.

This sudden and indefinite suspension without detailed rationale has left many applicants in limbo, especially those with impending travel deadlines or academic start dates.

Advice for Affected Applicants

For those impacted by this suspension, the best course of action is to closely monitor official communication channels of the German Consulate in Karachi. Applicants are strongly advised not to engage third-party agents or pay unofficial intermediaries, as all visa processes are handled exclusively through the official online portal.

It is also advisable to retain all prior appointment confirmations and supporting documentation for reference when rebooking becomes available.

Those with urgent travel needs may explore contacting the German Embassy in Islamabad, although no formal guidance has been issued regarding re-routing applications from Karachi.

What Comes Next?

There is no confirmed date for when the German Consulate in Karachi will resume normal operations. The suspension remains open-ended, and all visa-seeking individuals will have to re-register through the official system once the service is restored.

This pause in services is expected to delay travel plans significantly, particularly for students beginning their semesters, professionals with job contracts, or families seeking reunification.

Conclusion

The suspension of visa and consular services for non-EU citizens by the German Consulate in Karachi represents a major disruption. With no fixed end date and the complete cancellation of appointments, applicants are left waiting in uncertainty.

For now, patience and preparedness are key. Applicants should stay informed through verified sources and avoid any unofficial channels. Once services resume, immediate re-registration will be necessary, and document readiness will be crucial.

If you require help with preparing your documentation, understanding the reapplication process, or staying updated on consulate announcements, professional support can ensure you are ready when services return.