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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Short Term Visa

If you want to visit Sweden and you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA, you may need a visa. A visa gives you permission to enter and stay in Sweden for a short period. It is valid throughout the Schengen area, but you apply to the country that is the main destination for the journey.

Visas can be granted for such purposes as:

• Business visits
• Participation in cultural or sporting events
• Visits to relatives and friends

You can submit your application at the earliest three months before your planned visit. Apply as far in advance as possible, especially during the peak season. Usually, you get a decision within two weeks.

A visa can be granted for between 1 and 90 days. You have to make use of these days within a given time frame of six months at the most (period of validity).

How many days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area, and for how long altogether, is stated on the permit sticker attached to your travel document.

If you need to travel to Sweden often, you can ask to be given several entries. Such visas are valid for five years at the most. If the visa is for more than six months, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per six-month period.

A visa does not automatically mean you can enter the Schengen area. Entry checks are always made at external border points. So it is a good idea to bring along copies of the documents you submitted when applying for a visa. Border controls may result in your being denied entry.

It is the Embassy of Sweden that decides whether you are to be granted a visa. In certain cases, the matter is referred to the Swedish Migration Board for a decision.

Applicants should note that the Embassy of Sweden requires all documents to be in original. If you need the original document to be returned to you, you must provide a copy of the document when submitting your application at the application centre.

Read more about visa applications in the menu on the left and on the Swedish Migration Board website.

Swedish Migration Board website

Tourist / Visit Family Or Friends

Documents required, photo specifications, processing time, download forms.

If you wish to visit Sweden for a short period of time, you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Sweden.

For more Information and to view list of countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Sweden: Click Do I Need A visa

Please click on the tabs above for the required information.

Please note:

• The applicable visa fee in Pakistan Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. Fees must be paid at Gerry’s cash counters and are subject to change without prior notice.
• Children below 6 years of age are exempted from visa fees for short-stay Schengen visa to Sweden.
• All fees should be paid in advance and are non-refundable.
• A service charge of EUR 9 is levied per application in addition to the visa fee.
• The above fees are effective from 13 February 2024.

Please note: All supporting documents must be submitted in original. If you need the original to be returned, a photocopy must be provided.

The Embassy will only accept Schengen visa application forms and supporting documents in A4 size paper. The forms must be completed in English or Swedish. Documents issued by the authorities in your country of origin are to be submitted together with a translation in Swedish or English by an authorized translator.

From 8 June 2016 applicants are not required to submit any photographs with their application as a digital photograph will be captured as part of the biometrics procedure. Click here for more information on biometrics.

Applications will be processed within 2 weeks of the Embassy receiving the application.

If you wish to apply for a Swedish Visa, you can download the Visa Application Form here.

Application processing takes a minimum of 2 weeks after the Embassy has received the application.

Please note : All supporting documents must be submitted in original. If you need the original to be returned, a photocopy must be provided.

Study, Research Or Internship, Practical Training

Medical treatment, sports competitions, official visits, airport transit.

If you wish to transit through the airport of Sweden you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Sweden.

EU Family Members

As a family member of an EU/EEA citizen exercising their right of free movement in accordance with Directive 2004/38/EC you have the right to travel to the EU/EEA-area together with your family member or join to them in the area to settle there.

Please note that Swedish citizen living in Sweden are NOT exercising EU treaty rights and they do NOT therefore hold a right of residence based on Directive 2004/38/EC in their home country, unless they have recently moved back to Sweden from another EU/EEA country.

Family members are:

• Spouse/partner/common law spouse
• The direct descendants (children) who are under the age of 21 or are dependents, and those of the spouse or partner.
• The dependent direct relatives in the ascending line (e.g. parents) and those of the spouse or partner 

Basic facts

You can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) which will permit you to enter and stay in Sweden and the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

In the event that you wish to remain in the State for more than 90 days as a family member of an EU/EEA citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in the Member State) for a Residence Card of a family member of a EU/EEA citizen. Information about how to apply is available on the Swedish Migration Agency's website .

More information

Directive 2004/38/EC

Swedish Migration Agency on EES family members

Please note that a family member of an EU or EEA citizen does NOT pay an application fee for Schengen visa, however all visa applicants applying at VFS Gerry's must pay a service fee of EUR 9 charged in Pakistan Rupees.

All family members of an EU or EEA national applying for a visa must submit the following obligatory supporting documents at the appointment at Gerry’s, or at the Embassy:

• Schengen Visa Application
• Your passport or travel document. Make sure that your passport has at least two blank pages.
• Proof of relation, eg.marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Copy of the EU/EEA national's passport or national identity card
• If you are a dependent family member you must submit documents showing your dependence.
• Document(s) to show the right of residence of the EU/EEA national (e.g. work contract)

Please note that a family member of an EU or EEA citizen does NOT pay an application fee for Schengen visa. Service charge is paid at Gerry’s.

Additional documents

In addition to the documents listed above there might be, depending on the EU/ EES-citizen’s circumstances, some additional documents required showing your family member’s situation.

• If your family member is settled in Sweden you must provide their “Personbevis” from the tax office.
• If your family member is a EU/EES-citizen you must also provide documents showing your family member fulfil the criteria for having a right to residence in Sweden in accordance with the regulations in Directive 2004/38/EC. These documents could, depending on the situation, be a work contract and pay slips, a study certificate or documents showing your family member has sufficient income or bank assets to support themselves.

It is generally not necessary to submit any other documents, although the Embassy strongly recommends that you always travel with valid travel insurance.

When you submit your application, you are given a receipt with information of when you can collect the decision and your passport. 

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Sweden – a destination of a different nature

Discover a country where nature is always present. In our cities, in our innovations and in our minds. Our nature has affected what we eat, where we live and how we live. Welcome to a destination of a different nature. Welcome to Sweden!

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Application fees for entry visas and visitor's permit

Entry visa fees.

Your application fee will not be refunded if your application is refused.

Paying online

When you apply online, you pay the fee with a credit card in connection with the application. The same applies if you are applying to extend your permit. The card must be enabled for Internet payment. Contact your bank for more information. 

Paying at an embassy or consulate-general

If you are applying at an embassy or consulate-general, you pay the fee when you hand in your application. The fee is usually paid in the local currency. The exchange is calculated according to the rate set by the European Central Bank. The amount is rounded off to the nearest whole amount. For more information about the fee, contact the embassy or consulate-general where you are applying.

Excep­tions from visa fees

Not everyone applying for a visa has to pay the application fee. The following people may apply for visas for the Schengen area (maximum of 90 days) without paying an application fee:

• children under the age of 6
• school pupils, university and doctoral students, together with the teachers accompanying them, who travel to Sweden for educational purposes
• researchers travelling to Sweden for academic research
• representatives of non-profit organisations
• representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations.

Family members of citi­zens of Iceland, Liech­tenstein, Norway, Swit­zer­land and the EU

Family members of citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the EU do not have to pay an application fee for a visa if they are to move to the family member in Sweden. This also applies to a short journey to prepare for a move together with the family member in Sweden. They must also be able to show proof of their marriage or family ties.

This rule applies to the following family members:

• husband, wife, cohabiting partner or registered partner (cohabiting partners of Swiss citizens are not included)
• children under the age of 21
• children over the age of 21 if they are dependent on their parents for their support
• parents who are financially dependent on their children in Sweden.

Swedish nationals are not included in the group "EU citizens" in this context.

Lower fees for some countries

The following countries are included in the EU Visa Facilitation Agreement, and their citizens pay no fee, or a lower fee, when applying for a visa:

• Bosnia-Herzegovina

For more information about the fee, contact the embassy or consulate-general where you are applying.

Fees for exten­ding an entry visa

In certain cases you may be granted an extended entry visa if your total stay is less than 90 days.

Read more about when you may extend your entry visa

You don't pay anything when you submit your application. When the Migration Agency will examine your application we will contact you to pay the fee. You pay the fee to bankgiro number 5223-7005. The IBAN for the account is SE6912000000012810106908 and the BIC/SWIFT code is DABASESX (Danske Bank).

In the box for messages to the recipient, you write the name and surname of the person the application fee is for, as well as their personal identity number and/or case number. If you are paying the fees of several people at the same time, write the personal identity number and/or case number for each of them.

Appli­ca­tion fees for visi­tor's permits

You may apply for a visitor's permit if you are visiting Sweden for a period longer than 90 days, or if you wish to extend your stay in Sweden.

Read more about visitor's permits

Excep­tions from fees for visi­tor's permits

Not everyone who applies has to pay a fee. The exceptions are

• family members of EU/EEA citizens. Swedish nationals are not included in the group "EU citizens" in this context
• EU/EEA citizens applying for residence permits
• Swiss citizens and their family members
• Japanese citizens
• visitors in Sweden who are unable to travel home because of an extraordinary event. This applies to persons who apply for a visitor’s permit, specify an extraordinary event as the only ground for their application and state that they intend to travel home as soon as possible. An extraordinary event can, for example, be an ash cloud or a pandemic that means that it is temporarily not possible to travel.

If you have paid the wrong appli­ca­tion fee

You can get money back if you have paid the wrong application fee. For example, you may have accidentally paid the fee twice. If you have applied online or on paper, you must contact the Migration Agency to request the money back. If you have submitted an application to an embassy or consulate-general, you should contact them instead.

When you request a refund you should write

• your first name and surname
• your personal ID number or date of birth
• your address
• why you should get a refund
• which case number/control number the fee applies to
• which bank and account number the money should be transferred to.

You must also submit a bank statement or receipt that clearly shows that you have paid a fee to the Swedish Migration Agency. Send this in a letter to the Swedish Migration Agency, 601 70 Norrköping.

Last updated: 2024-04-12

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Sweden Schengen Visa for Pakistani citizens: Requirements and application process

The opportunity to explore Sweden’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage has long been a dream for many Pakistani citizens. Fortunately, getting a Schengen visa opens the door to this Scandinavian wonderland .

Whether you plan to visit Sweden for tourism or business, you must apply for a Sweden Schengen Visa before your trip. Learn in this article all the requirements you must meet and how the visa application process works. Be well-prepared to visit this fantastic destination!

What is the Sweden Schengen Visa?

The Sweden Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows Pakistani citizens to enter and stay in Sweden for up to 90 days Per Entry . It falls under the Schengen Agreement , which enables seamless travel across 27 European countries without requiring individual visas for each country. With a Sweden Schengen Visa, Pakistani travelers can explore Sweden’s beauty, culture, and attractions and also have the opportunity to visit other Schengen countries.

Do Pakistani citizens need a Sweden Schengen Visa?

Yes, Pakistani citizens must apply for a Sweden Schengen Visa before traveling to this country. As Sweden is a member of the Schengen area, Pakistani travelers need this visa to enter this territory.

Get your Schengen Visa stress-free with our guidance!

Am I eligible to get a Sweden Schengen Visa in Pakistan?

As we said, Pakistanis are eligible for the Sweden Schengen Visa . Citizens from over 100 countries can apply for this visa to visit Sweden and other Schengen member states. If you aren’t Pakistani, use our Visa Checker Tool to see if this document is available for you.

Besides nationality and meeting the visa requirements, you’re only eligible for this Schengen visa if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

You’ll enter the Schengen Zone through Sweden

You’ll only visit Sweden in the Schengen Zone* You’ll visit multiple countries but Sweden will be your main destination, where you’ll stay longer.

What other European countries can I visit with this visa?

That's the best part of the Sweden Schengen Visa . With a single document, you can visit the following 27 Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Benefits of getting the Sweden Schengen Visa with iVisa

We're here to simplify the process and ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free. Check some of the benefits of applying with us:

Application 100% Government-compliant: Our dedicated team will carefully review each answer you provide on the form and adjust them to meet 100% compliance with the government requirements.

Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert: We assign you an iVisa Expert who will guide you through the entire application process, from start to finish. You can rely on them to address any questions or concerns.

Simplified form: While embassy websites often have confusing and tedious questions, with us, you’ll only need to complete a simplified form with clear and concise questions.

Fill out the form at your own pace: With our platform, you can make changes and save your progress, so you don't have to start from scratch when you wish to continue with it.

Manual Guide: We provide a comprehensive manual guide, including tips and insights to help you answer the difficult form sections and the step-by-step process to get your new visa without any problems.

Safety: We prioritize your safety and privacy. At iVisa, we’ve implemented a robust security system to protect your personal information.

How long is the Sweden Schengen Visa valid for Pakistani citizens?

The consular officers decide the visa validity considering many factors, including your trip purpose. Typically, the Sweden Schengen Visa grants a maximum stay of 90 days Per Entry within a 180-day period and is valid for five years . It’s a Multiple Entry visa, so you can visit Sweden many times during the validity period.

It's important to note that exceeding the permitted stay may result in penalties or difficulties for future travel.

Sweden Schengen Visa requirements in Pakistan

To obtain a Sweden Schengen Visa in Pakistan, you must fulfill specific requirements outlined by the Swedish embassy or consulate. The exact list of requirements may vary slightly, depending on your purpose of travel, but no worries! Applying with us, you’ll receive a complete documents list according to your situation . Here are the essential criteria to keep in mind.

Required documents for the Sweden Schengen Visa for Pakistani citizens

Generally, all travelers must submit these documents:

Valid passport

Completed application form

Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host

Travel itinerary, like your planned activities and destinations during your stay in Sweden

Proof of sufficient funds

Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros

Police certificate stating no criminal record

2 passport-sized photos – Use our digital passport service if you need one easily and quickly!

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Sweden Schengen Visa requirements for children in Pakistan

Remember that children also need a visa for this trip! When applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa for children in Pakistan certain requirements must be fulfilled. Here is a list of the necessary documents and information:

Original birth certificate

Copy of both parents' ID cards and passports (all pages containing any type of information)

Written consent letter from both parents if the minor is traveling alone, or from the parent who is not accompanying the child

If either one of the parents is absent or deceased, a court decision or death certificate must be provided, if applicable

If the legal guardian is someone other than the parent listed on the birth certificate, a custody order must be submitted to prove legal guardianship

A letter from the school containing the minor's name, parents' names, grade, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details, date, and name of the school representative

If the minor is traveling with a group, a complete list of names of all group members traveling and the name of the person in charge of the group

Please ensure that children have their own passports, and that their legal guardians' names are included on their visa application forms.

Sweden Schengen Visa passport requirements

Your Pakistani passport must meet the following criteria for your Sweden Schengen Visa application:

It must remain valid for at least three months from the day of departure

It must have at least two blank pages

It must be in good condition

Sweden Schengen Visa photo requirements

When applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa, make sure that your photo meets these specific requirements :

The photo should be recent, taken within the last six months

It must be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper

The dimensions of the photo should be 35mm x 45mm

The background should be plain and light-colored, preferably white

The photo should be taken against a plain background with no shadows or objects visible

The applicant's face should be centered in the photo, with a neutral expression and both eyes open

The face should occupy around 70-80% of the photo

The head should be straight, not tilted or turned in any direction

Headgear is only allowed for religious or medical reasons. In such cases, the face must be completely visible from the forehead to the chin

Glasses are permitted as long as they do not obstruct the eyes and there is no glare on the lenses

Photos with any reflection or red-eye effect will not be accepted

The photo should be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation

Check further details on Schengen visa photo requirements in this blog . And remember, you can get your photo stress-free with a few clicks using our digital passport photo service .

Sweden visa: When should I apply for the Sweden Schengen Visa?

Start your Sweden Schengen Visa application at least two months before your trip to ensure a smooth process. Applying in advance allows time to complete the application, address errors, and ensure you include all required documents. It also reduces stress and increases the likelihood of getting the visa on time.

Sweden Schengen Visa application: How to apply in Pakistan

Applying for a Schengen Visa with us is a straightforward and hassle-free experience. Just follow these three simple steps to kickstart your visa application:

Step 1: Complete our simplified visa application form , providing your personal and travel details. To assist you throughout the process, we'll send you a comprehensive PDF guide and provide you with one of our dedicated iVisa Experts to help you with any questions.

Step 2: Double-check all the information. Once you're satisfied with the accuracy of your details, proceed to pay our service fee securely using your debit card, credit card, or PayPal account. Remember, you must pay the government visa fee separately at the relevant embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 3: Prepare for your visa interview appointment by gathering all the required documents. We'll provide a comprehensive document checklist and step-by-step instructions to ensure you're fully prepared. Take note of any additional requirements or specific instructions from the Sweden embassy or consulate.

Once you've completed these three simple steps, you'll be well on your way to getting your Sweden Schengen Visa, and soon enough, you'll be ready to embark on your desired travel. Applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa

Swedish visa process: How to prepare for the Sweden Schengen Visa interview in Pakistan

The interview is a crucial part of the visa application. We’ll schedule the visa appointment for you and provide a guide that will help you prepare for the Sweden Schengen Visa interview and increase your chances of a successful application. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are well-prepared:

Research the process: Familiarize yourself with the interview process and requirements for the Sweden Schengen Visa. Understand what documents you must bring and the questions that may be asked during the interview.

Review your application: Go through your visa application thoroughly and ensure all the information provided is accurate and consistent. Be prepared to provide explanations or additional documentation to support your application if necessary.

Gather supporting documents: Organize and bring all the required supporting documents, such as financial statements, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and other relevant documentation. Ensure you have both original copies and photocopies.

Practice common interview questions: Prepare for potential questions regarding your travel plans, trip purpose, financial stability, and ties to your home country. Practice your answers to ensure clarity and confidence during the interview.

Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and presentably for the interview. Choose attire that reflects your seriousness and respect for the process.

Arrive early: Plan your journey to the interview location, allowing for potential delays or traffic. Arriving in advance demonstrates punctuality and preparedness.

Stay calm and confident: During the interview, remain calm and composed. Answer questions truthfully and confidently. Maintain eye contact and engage with the visa officer respectfully.

Bring a positive attitude: Show genuine enthusiasm for your planned trip to Sweden. Highlight your intentions to comply with the visa regulations and return to Pakistan within the authorized period.

Be ready to provide additional information: If the visa officer requests additional documents, information, or clarifications, be prepared to provide them promptly. Stay cooperative throughout the process.

Sweden Schengen Visa fee: Visa cost for Pakistani citizens

When applying for the Schengen visa through our services, you will incur both an iVisa application fee and a government Schengen visa fee. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:

iVisa application fee:

• Standard Service Fee: USD $299.99 (excluding government fees). This fee grants you access to our comprehensive concierge service benefits.

Government Schengen Visa fee:

• Schengen Visa Fee: €80 (approximately US$84). This fee must be paid in cash at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) or consulate. Please note that minors between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a reduced fee, while children under 6 are exempt from paying the government fee.

What is the Sweden Schengen Visa processing time in 2023?

The processing time for acquiring a Schengen Visa involves two stages. The first one is the iVisa processing time to process your application, review your documents, and schedule your visa appointment.

• iVisa Processing Time: 30 days . During this period, we ensure your application is prepared flawlessly and your documents are thoroughly reviewed.

Following your application submission, the government will process your visa request.

• Schengen Visa Processing Time: 15 days . This timeframe refers to the duration it typically takes for the government to process your Schengen Visa application.

My Sweden Schengen Visa in Pakistan was denied. What should I do?

If you are dissatisfied with the decision regarding your Sweden Schengen Visa application, you can appeal . The appeal document must be in writing, signed by you, and delivered to the embassy no later than three weeks from the date you received the decision.

If you tried to apply on your own the first time, the advice is to reapply with our guidance . Having our iVisa experts assisting you will make all the difference, and you’ll have many benefits to help you submit a flawless application.

Can I extend my Sweden Schengen Visa?

Sweden Schengen Visa extensions are only granted under exceptional circumstances. Here are some valid reasons for extending your visa:

Late entry (applies only to single-entry visas) : If you have a single-entry visa and experience a delayed entry into Sweden due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible for an extension.

Humanitarian reasons: Local authorities may consider visa extensions for humanitarian purposes, such as requiring additional medical treatment, attending a funeral, or supporting a family member facing hardship.

Force Majeure: In the event of unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, including natural disasters, violent protests, or extreme weather conditions, an extension may be granted.

Important personal reasons: The government may grant a visa extension due to significant personal events that weren’t planned, such as a family member’s unplanned wedding.

It's important to note that each extension request is evaluated case-by-case, and sufficient evidence supporting your exceptional circumstances will be required.

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

Our customer service team is always ready to help you! Contact them via online chat or email at [email protected] to assist you with any questions about the Schengen visa or other documents.

Visiting Sweden is magical. Before the trip, check our Sweden Travel Guide to be well-prepared to explore this destination. Have a safe trip!

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English.html

Visa Application forms

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!

Manual Visas wil NOT be issued by the Embassy after

31 January, 2021

All visa applicants are advised to apply for a Pakistani visa online by visiting this link  https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/.  

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No objection certificate (noc).

NOTE! Kindly note that during Ramadan, visa processing time will take longer than usual.

Please make sure that you apply well in time before your trip.

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Report: Welding at water slide caused huge fire in Sweden that killed one person

The Associated Press

May 15, 2024, 7:16 AM

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A welding operation sparked a huge fire in February at a water park that was under construction at one of Sweden’s biggest amusement centers, causing the death of one person, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

“When welding the water slide, a fire started which then spread to the rest of the building. The fire spread quickly and caused great destruction,” the Goteborgs-Posten newspaper said, quoting a police report.

The blaze destroyed a large part of the Oceana water park that was scheduled to open this summer in Goteborg, Sweden’s second-largest city. Officers were only able to enter the site days later and found a dead person there.

The fire at the popular Liseberg amusement complex spread over several water slides and the pool area of the water park. A nearby hotel and office facilities had to be evacuated. Sixteen were slightly injured.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Joint statement by Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States following their visit to the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

A week after a massive fire tore through several camps in Cox’s Bazar, refugees, host communities and the humanitarian community are making efforts to recover. Photo: IOM/Bangladesh 2021

This statement has been issued by the Governments of Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States 

Joint statement by Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States following their visit to the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh 

To Rohingya Refugees we say: You are not forgotten 

As representatives of government donors, we underscore the urgent need for sustained international support to protect and save the lives of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. This crisis is now in its seventh year and the needs of this vulnerable population persist, while funding from the international community dramatically decreases.  

In 2023 alone, the Joint Response Plan reported a funding gap of USD 301 million. This reduction in funding has led to distressing adjustments in assistance packages, including reductions in food rations, exacerbating food insecurity and increasing vulnerability to exploitation.  

We appreciate Bangladesh's dedication to generously hosting one million refugees. However, it is imperative for us to take action to ensure that Rohingya refugees and host communities receive the support and protection they deserve. As we observed during our visit, Rohingyas are bearing the brunt of decreasing humanitarian resources, while nearly half a million Rohingyas will soon be exposed to harsh weather conditions as fire and monsoon season approaches. 

If insufficient funding continues, over 150,000 won’t be able to access essential services, including food, safe drinking water, shelter, protection, and healthcare. In addition, in lieu of Liquid Petroleum Gas, nearly 100,000 households will likely resort to collecting firewood, leading to potentially 14,000 tons of firewood being extracted monthly in the region, leading to deforestation and negative environmental impacts. 

We can and must reverse this trend.  

Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, lifesaving assistance continues to be delivered to one million Rohingya refugees and some 346,000 Bangladeshis. Efforts to promote self-reliance and livelihood opportunities for Rohingya are crucial to reduce their full aid dependency, for their well-being, and that of their host communities. 

To contribute to a more sustainable humanitarian response, the international community must support the Joint Response Plan 2024, which aims to raise USD 852.4 million to support 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and vulnerable Bangladeshis. This represents USD 630 per person. 

In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Bangladesh and those in need. We continue to support our humanitarian partners who are at the frontlines of implementing the Plan. We call on other governments and partners to join us in providing the necessary funding and assistance to ensure the protection and well-being of those most impacted and to address the root causes of the crisis. 

The Rohingya crisis shall not be forgotten. 

Following their visit to Cox’s Bazar, the following governments have announced their contributions and support for IOM’s Appeal under the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis: 

• The United States has announced a contribution of USD 7.6 million  
• Japan has already contributed USD 2.6 Million   
• Norway has announced a contribution of NOK 6.5 million  

The following countries have expressed political support for this Joint Statement and for the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis:  

• Switzerland      

RELATED NEWS

75.9 million people living in internal displacement in 2023: idmc report, iom chief visits bangladesh, secures funding commitments for rohingya refugees, floods displace thousands in east africa; iom calls for sustained efforts to address climate mobility, world migration report 2024 reveals latest global trends and challenges in human mobility .

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A Hindu festival in southwestern Pakistan brings a mountainous region to life

The ascent of steep mud volcanoes marks the beginning of the biggest Hindu pilgrimage festivals in southwestern Pakistan. People climb hundreds of stairs to reach the volcano’s summit where they toss coconuts and rose petals into the shallow crater. (AP video by Muhammad Farooq)

Hindu devotees get off from a bus and walk toward a mud volcano, to start Hindu pilgrims religious rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

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Hindu devotees walk toward a mud volcano to start Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees climb stairs to reach atop a volcano to start Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees perform their rituals on a mud volcano to start Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees walk toward a mud volcano, to start Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees take rest upon arrival at an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata to attend an annual festival in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees climb stairs to reach atop an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata to attend an annual festival in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees arrive at an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata to attend an annual festival in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees perform their rituals during an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees dance during an annual festival in an cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees attend an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in the Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Hindu devotees attend an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

In this aerial photo taken from a drone, Hindu devotees climb stairs to reach on top of a mud volcano to start Hindu pilgrims religious’ rituals for an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. More than 100,000 Hindus are expected to climb mud volcanoes and steep rocks in southwestern Pakistan as part of a three-day pilgrimage to one of the faith’s holiest sites. (AP Photo/Mohammad Farooq)

HINGLAJ, Pakistan (AP) — The ascent of steep mud volcanoes marks the start of Hindu pilgrims’ religious rituals in southwestern Pakistan.

They climb hundreds of stairs or clamber over rocks to reach the summit, tossing coconuts and rose petals into the shallow crater while seeking divine permission to visit Hinglaj Mata, an ancient cave temple that is the focus of their three-day worship.

The dramatic surroundings of Hingol National Park in Baluchistan province are the setting for Pakistan’s largest Hindu festival, Hinglaj Yatra, which started on Friday and ends on Sunday. Organizers say more than 100,000 Hindus are expected to participate.

Muslim-majority Pakistan is home to 4.4 million Hindus, just 2.14% of the population, and Hinglaj Mata is one of the few Hindu sites that continues to draw large numbers of pilgrims every year from across the country.

Muslims and Hindus generally live peacefully in Pakistan, from where most of the Hindus migrated to India when it was divided by British colonialists in 1947. But there have been attacks on Hindu temples in recent years as relations between the rivals remain tense.

Hindus believe Hinglaj Mata is one the places where the remains of Sati, the goddess of marital felicity and longevity, fell to earth after she ended her life.

Hindu devotees perform their rituals during an annual festival in an ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata in Hinglaj in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Junaid Ahmed)

Maharaj Gopal, the temple’s most senior cleric, explains why people flock to it.

“It is the most sacred pilgrimage in the Hindu religion,” said Gopal. “Whoever visits the temple and worships accordingly during these three days will have all of their sins forgiven.”

The journeys begin hundreds of kilometres (miles) away, mostly from neighbouring Sindh province . Hundreds of packed buses set off from cities like Hyderabad and Karachi, traveling along the Makran Coastal Highway that hugs Pakistan’s south and southwest.

But there’s scant parking and vehicular access to the holy sites, so many pilgrims disembark and complete their travel by walking over parched and rocky terrain, sometimes barefoot and carrying children or luggage.

It’s a few kilometres (miles) from the main road to the mud volcano and then, from there, almost 45 kilometres (25 miles) to Hinglaj Mata.

Winds buffet the desert-like conditions, churning up dust that whips the eyes, nose and mouth. The pilgrims’ festive cheer and brightly coloured apparel are a contrast to the arid landscape. Strong gusts distort people’s celebratory cries of “Jai mata di” and “Jai shiv shankar.”

Kanwal Kumar, 28, was visiting the temple for the first time with her husband. “We have yet to conceive a child after six years of marriage, so we are hopeful for help from the goddess,” she said. “We believe that no one returns empty-handed. All wishes are granted by Hinglaj Mata.”

The Hindu festival brings the Pakistani park to life. Hundreds of stalls spring up to sell snacks, drinks, jewellery, and clothing. Vats of hot food are prepared in the open air or thatched huts. Pilgrims purchase coconuts, sweetmeats, flowers, and incense for their ritualistic offerings.

Aloo Kumar, 55, wanted to express her gratitude to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s three most important deities. “He blessed our family with a grandson,” Kumar said, gesturing toward the boy beside her cradling his baby sibling. “We prayed for a grandson during last year’s festival.”

Hinglaj Mata thrums with activity, even after dark. Fairy lights and other decorations adorn the shrine and pilgrims jostle for position in front of it, sometimes holding up babies so the deities can bless them. Stewards urge them to pay their respects and move along.

The park’s Hingol River provides Hindu pilgrims with the opportunity for ritual bathing, like the Ganges in India.

While there is no ban on Hindu worship in Pakistan, openly practising the faith is not routine as ties between India and Pakistan are broken. Their interactions are riddled with animosity and suspicion after having fought three wars, built up their armies and armed them with nuclear weapons.

Travel restrictions and hostile bureaucracies largely keep people from crossing the border for leisure, study and work, although the countries sometimes make exceptions for religious pilgrimages, usually for India’s Sikhs .

The decades of political hostility present a challenge for the minority Hindu community, as many in Pakistan equate Hindus with India. The reverse exists in India, where Muslims complain of discrimination.

Versimal Divani, the general-secretary of Hinglaj Mata, lamented that only Hindus in Pakistan can attend the festival.

“We can visit this temple in our beloved country whenever our heart desires,” said Divani. “But this is not the case for the rest of the world’s Hindus. I would like the Pakistani government to issue them visas so they can come here and take blessings with them. It’s good for people-to-people contact and it’s good for the economy too.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

The world's glitziest song contest starts this week. Here's what you need to know about Eurovision.

This year, Eurovision will be held in Malmö , Sweden, and already fans are descending on the country’s third-largest city, decked out in sequins, glitter, skin-tight metallics or neon, some of them with their country’s flags painted on their faces or draped around their shoulders.

For fans, it’s a yearlong buildup to this weeklong party . For viewers across Europe and around the world, the contest will be shown over three days next week.

Artists from 37 countries across Europe and beyond will perform original songs — ranging from soaring power ballads to the bombastically ridiculous — to compete for the public’s vote, before a winner is chosen in a high-drama Grand Final.

The glittery, pyrotechnic-filled spectacle draws in around 160 million viewers, making it the world’s most-watched nonsports event — surpassed only by the Olympics and the World Cup.

In fact, Eurovision is often likened to the Olympics of pop music. Paul Jordan, a superfan who wrote his Ph.D. on the contest, said: “They’ve got the spectacle of the opening ceremony. You’ve got the drama of the podium.”

“If you haven’t seen it or heard of it, you’re probably living in a sad world,” Silvester Belt, this year’s entrant from Lithuania, told NBC News. “It’s the funniest and most awkward, cringiest and fun event in the world. I don’t think there’s anything like [it].”

The first Eurovision was in 1956. Seven countries participated in what was essentially a technical experiment — national broadcasting organizations of the early TV era wanted to know if they could pull off a live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast. The show’s format was copied from a popular Italian song contest called San Remo and evolved from there.

Eurovision proved to be a success, both technologically and culturally. Seven decades later, Eurovision is more beloved than ever, moving beyond TV to spawn a vast ecosystem of superfan blogs and social media accounts breathlessly covering its every development.

Today, Eurovision features most of Europe and some countries farther afield like Israel , Azerbaijan and Australia.

When is it? 

First semifinal: Tuesday, May 7, at 3 p.m. ET.

Second semifinal: Thursday, May 9, at 3 p.m. ET.

Grand Final: Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. ET.

In the U.S., the shows are available to watch on Peacock.

How does it work?

Eurovision is divided into two semifinals and a Grand Final. Fifteen countries perform their song in the first semifinal, and 16 in the second. After each semifinal, viewers at home vote for their favorites, and the top 10 from each go through to the Grand Final.

In total, there are 26 performances in the Grand Final: the winners of the semifinals, plus the host country (this year, Sweden) and a group called the Big Five — France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom — which enter the final automatically because their countries make the biggest financial contributions to Eurovision.

The winner of the Grand Final is decided by a combination of a popular vote from viewers and an official Eurovision jury.

Each artist performs only one song throughout the contest. The songs can be in any language but are limited to three minutes. Lead vocals must be performed live, and there cannot be more than six people onstage during the performance.

How to vote

Viewers at home can vote by phone or text or via the official Eurovision app.

Voters from countries participating in the contest can’t vote for their own act, but even fans from places that don’t take part in Eurovision can have their say. Voting in the app or on a website, viewers from around the world make up a “rest of the world” category that equals one participating nation. Once Eurovision is up and running, this website will become active and allow viewers outside Eurovision nations to vote: www.esc.vote.

For the final, viewers vote for their favorite out of the 26 remaining contestants, and the popular vote is combined with votes from juries of music industry professionals from each participating country.

Presenters, hamming up the anticipation in a drawn-out process, announce the juries’ votes country by country, building tension as a few acts take the lead.

Then the real drama begins when the popular vote is revealed. As the popular votes are read out, the leaderboard can swing dramatically. In recent years, the jury and the public voted for different winners, meaning the act in the lead after the jury vote is in no way guaranteed to stay on top once the public has its say.

The winner is presented with a trophy and much glory for having won Eurovision. The country they represent will host the next year’s contest.

A variety of styles

Part of the joy of Eurovision is the sheer range of songs, often making for strange bedfellows with discordant musical styles performing back to back.

“Every single person on Earth can find something in Eurovision,” Belt, the Lithuanian singer, said.

Bambie Thug, this year’s entry from Ireland, calls their goth-inflected genre “Ouija-pop.” Their entry “Doomsday Blue” alternates between frantic growling and screaming and laid-back singing in the chorus.  

Denmark’s Saba shows off her powerful vocals in “Sand,” a classic breakup ballad. The Czech entry, Aiko, sounds like her musical style was inspired by American pop - rock, while Austria’s entry is a Europop dance anthem that eschews subtlety with its title “We Will Rave.”

And then there are the off-the-wall entries that Eurovision is perhaps best known for, featuring eccentric musical styling and staging.

Iconic performances of past decades have included a group of Russian babushkas, a Finnish heavy metal band dressed as monsters, and a bearded Austrian drag queen singing what could have been a James Bond theme song.

“I think that the majority is in it to win it,” Eurovision co-host Petra Mede said, but some countries focus less on sending a strong singer, and more on a memorable performance that will have people talking, providing a “spectacular entry. And they know that they’re not going to win, but they’re going to give us a good three minutes.” 

“I think there’s a couple of quirky ones,” said Jordan, the superfan who wrote a dissertation on Eurovision, inspired by last year’s runner-up, a chaotic performance called “Cha Cha Cha” by Finland’s Käärijä, who leapt around the stage in a puffy neon green outfit shouting “cha cha cha” between high-energy lyrics in Finnish about hitting the dance floor after a long week at work.

“I think there’s a few that have tried to emulate that success,” Jordan said.

He says “Europapa” by the Netherlands’ Joost Klein is one to watch. “It’s insanely catchy. It’s gone viral online. I can imagine people around Europe will be voting for that, they’ll be having parties, they’ll be loving it.”

Klein performs in a blue suit with exaggerated pointy shoulder pads, with backup dancers who include a person in a bird costume wearing an E.U.-logo tie.

“Rim Tim Tagi Dim” by Croatia’s Baby Lasagna is also drawing attention. The high-energy song about leaving the countryside for city life is a buzzy way of putting a spotlight on the issue of Croatia’s brain drain.

Favorites to win

Winners of the contest come from all over the musical spectrum. In the past decade, successful genres have included pop from Sweden, jazz from Portugal, and rock from Italy.

Jordan says that unlike previous years when there were heavy favorites, “it seems to be really open this year. There doesn’t seem to be a runaway winner.”

Some to watch include Switzerland’s “The Code” by Nemo, which is about the singer’s journey of discovering their nonbinary identity, and Italy’s Angelina Mango. Her entry, “La Noia,” which translates to “The Boredom,” is inspired by the cumbia music of Latin America.

The quirky Dutch and Croatian entries are also likely to be favorites with viewers at home, with splashy performances that can help them stand out in the crowded field.

The public and the juries often diverge on who they think should win, with votes from the jury tending to reward musical prowess while votes from the public are often swayed by spectacle.

Jordan says Ukraine “can never really be discounted — they know how to stage a song,” and are the only country currently in the competition that has always gone through to the final from the semis. Ukraine has won Eurovision three times since it joined the contest in 2003, and the Ukrainian entry usually finishes in the top 10.

Legendary pop singers have emerged from the Eurovision gantlet: Fifty years ago, then-little-known Swedish band ABBA won with “Waterloo,” a song that has since entered the ranks of pop classics. In 1988, a young Céline Dion was launched into fame when she won for Switzerland with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi.”

Regardless of whether this year’s artists will be the next ABBA, Jordan says Eurovision will endure. “It’s a format that’s so old now — nearly 70 years old, and yet it’s still surviving. And that’s amazing. Really, given all the changes in people’s viewing habits, Eurovision has really captured our imagination.”

Andrew Jones is a senior desk editor.