Switzerland Visitor Visa Guide
Switzerland is a nation known for its political and economic stability, excellent healthcare, stunning natural beauty, high-quality education, and much more. If you plan to visit family and friends in Switzerland or simply explore the country, the Switzerland Visitor Visa is your gateway to an enjoyable vacation.
What is Switzerland Visitor Visa? The Switzerland Visitor Visa, also referred to as the Switzerland Schengen Visitor Visa, is issued to individuals wishing to visit their relatives or friends residing in Switzerland. This Schengen category visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permit. It also grants the freedom to travel within the Schengen region.
How to Apply for Switzerland Visitor Visa? The application process for a Switzerland Visitor Visa is facilitated through Visa Application Centers (VACs) and is primarily an offline procedure. To initiate your application, follow these steps:
Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents according to the visitor permit checklist.
Download Application Form: Visit the VAC or Embassy of Switzerland website to download the Schengen visa application form.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Schengen visa application form with accurate details, specifying the purpose of your visit as ‘visiting family/friends,’ and print it.
Schedule VAC Appointment: Book an appointment at the VAC through their online portal.
Visit the Respective VAC: Present your documents, completed application form, and visa fees at the designated VAC. Biometric data will also be collected during this visit.
Note that if you’ve submitted biometrics for any Schengen visa within the past 5 years, resubmission is not required. In such cases, you may authorize a third party to submit your application with a letter of authorization signed by you. Always ensure the submission of genuine documents and accurate information to avoid the risk of visa rejection.
Eligibility for Switzerland Visitor Visa To be eligible for a Switzerland Visitor Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in the country where you are applying for the visa. If you hold a residence permit in a foreign country, apply at the respective embassy.
- Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Your primary purpose of visiting Switzerland should be to meet friends and family who are residents, and you must have an invitation from them.
- Have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Switzerland.
- Apply for the permit under one of the following conditions:
- Switzerland is your sole destination.
- Switzerland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, with the majority of your stay in Switzerland.
- Switzerland is your port of entry.
Documents Required for Switzerland Visitor Visa The following documents are typically required when applying for a Switzerland Visitor Visa:
- Valid passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Include previous passports, if applicable.
- A covering letter including applicant’s details, purpose and duration of the visit, and the source of funds. This letter should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland.
- Travel itinerary/documents, including a detailed travel itinerary and round-trip flight booking.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Medical travel insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
- Invitation letter from the relative/friend living in Switzerland, including all visit details matching those in the covering letter.
- Residence proof of the sponsor (if applicable).
- Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or a copy of a business license.
- Financial documents like bank statements for the past 3 months, passbook copies, and income tax returns (ITR).
Photo Specification for Switzerland Visitor Visa
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
- Color: Colored.
- Head must occupy the central position.
- Photo must be recently captured (within the last 3 months).
- Background should be solid, plain white, or grey.
- Maintain 80% face coverage.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression.
- Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted.
- Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is permitted.
Processing Time for Switzerland Visitor Visa The processing time for a Swiss Visitor Visa depends on various factors, including the number of entries, allowed stay duration, validity, embassy application volume, your previous travel history, and more. Typically, it takes around 15 working days for processing. However, due to potential uncertainties, it is advisable to apply well in advance, but no more than 3 months before your intended travel date.
Switzerland Visitor Visa Fees The fees for a Swiss Visitor Visa vary based on the embassy’s decision and currency exchange rates. In addition to the application fee, the fees include biometric charges, the number of entries, and other service charges. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the exact amount before applying.
| Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6390.0 |
After Submission Once you have submitted your visitor permit application, it is processed at the Embassy of Switzerland. Although the submission takes place at a VAC, the embassy is solely responsible for processing.
Upon approval, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC or opt for delivery with an additional charge.
How to Check Visa Status? You can check the status of your visitor permit application by clicking [here](insert official link) and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agency to assist you in tracking your application.
When You Have the Visa Upon successfully receiving your permit, keep the following in mind:
- Carry all necessary travel documents; entry into Switzerland requires them.
- Note the visa’s expiry date, stay duration, and number of entries. Abide by these conditions during your stay.
- Always carry copies of your travel documents when moving within Switzerland.
- While on a visitor permit, engaging in paid work in Switzerland is prohibited and will result in visa invalidation and potential deportation.
- In standard conditions, the permit cannot be extended.
- You can visit other Schengen nations with this permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, Schengen C category permits, including the Swiss visitor permit, cannot be extended under normal circumstances. However, in exceptional cases like a Force Majeure or other humanitarian reasons preventing your return to your home country, an extension might be granted.
Embassy regulations do not specify an exact amount of funds required. Instead, you must demonstrate a stable bank account with regular transactions and sufficient funds to support your stay in Switzerland. If you have a sponsor, they must show the ability to support you financially.
Overstaying your Swiss visitor visa is considered an offense. You must leave the country before the visa’s expiry date. Staying beyond this period can lead to deportation and, in some cases, a ban from re-entering the Schengen region.
No, as the visitor permit is issued for a stay of fewer than 90 days in Switzerland, mandatory medical tests are not required. This applies to all Schengen C category visas. However, it is advisable to undergo a health checkup before traveling to a foreign country.
Converting a Schengen C category visa, including the visitor permit, into another type is not allowed. Additionally, working for pay while on this permit is prohibited. If you require a work permit, you must apply for one in your home country.
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries with a Swiss visitor permit. Switzerland is a Schengen Agreement member, allowing visa-free travel to other Schengen member states. Some non-European countries also accept Schengen visas, such as Croatia.
The typical processing time for a Swiss visitor visa is approximately 15 working days. This duration does not include transit time for the application to reach the embassy. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply well in advance, but not more than 3 months before your intended travel date.
