Required Documents
For Switzerland Visa
Documents for a Swiss visa application must be completed or translated into German, French, or Italian.
1-Valid passport
- Have at least two blank pages.
- Bear the applicant’s signature.
- Not be more than 10 years old.
- Be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiration date of the requested visa.
- If the applicant has used any previous passports, they should also be submitted with the application, if applicable.
2-Passport-sized photos
To meet the photo requirements for your visa application, your photo should have a passport size of 3.5 x 4.5 cm and be taken within the last 6 months. It must be on a plain white background, and your face should be directly facing the camera with all your facial features clearly visible.
3-Completed application form
4-Biometric data (Fingerprints)
5-Switzerland Schengen Visa fee
6-Documents pertinent to your trip
- A travel itinerary or plan.
- Proof of return to the country of residence or a forward ticket to another country.
- Reason for travel to Switzerland.
- Flight reservations.
- Proof of financial means, such as bank statements for the last 3 months, personal properties, and/or other assets.
- Proof of accommodations, including the booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel.
7-Travel medical insurance
- A valid travel medical insurance that covers the entire visa period is required.
- Your travel medical insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries.
- Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR must be purchased.
- The confirmation letter or insurance document must clearly state the validity, duration, and extent of the insurance coverage.
8-Employment letter with the following information:
- Name and address of employer
- Nature of employment
- Starting date of employment
- Salary
- Purpose of travel
- Duration of time off from work for travel
9-Additional documents required – Scans (copies) of:
- Personal-ID page of passport.
- Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
- Residence permit (if relevant).
10-Applicants below 18 years old
Applicants who are minors (below 18 years old) are required to submit the following additional requirements:
- Copy of birth certificate.
- In case the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents must be submitted.
- If the minor applicant’s parents are divorced, divorce papers must be provided.
- If the minor applicant’s parents are deceased, death certificates are required as well.
- Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians.
- Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians.
Additional documents may need to be provided in support of your travel visa application.
Switzerland Schengen Visa Fees
The regular fee for a Swiss Schengen visa application is 80 EUR, but there are certain exceptions where applicants are exempted from paying fees, such as student visas and visas for children below 6 years old. In addition to the visa fee, applicants may be required to pay a separate non-refundable service charge with their application.
Switzerland Visa Application Steps
To meet the photo requirements for your visa application, your photo should have a passport size of 3.5 x 4.5 cm and be taken within the last 6 months. It must be on a plain white background, and your face should be directly facing the camera with all your facial features clearly visible.
3-Completed application form
4-Biometric data (Fingerprints)
5-Switzerland Schengen Visa fee
6-Documents pertinent to your trip
- A travel itinerary or plan.
- Proof of return to the country of residence or a forward ticket to another country.
- Reason for travel to Switzerland.
- Flight reservations.
- Proof of financial means, such as bank statements for the last 3 months, personal properties, and/or other assets.
- Proof of accommodations, including the booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel.
7-Travel medical insurance
- A valid travel medical insurance that covers the entire visa period is required.
- Your travel medical insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries.
- Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR must be purchased.
- The confirmation letter or insurance document must clearly state the validity, duration, and extent of the insurance coverage.
8-Employment letter with the following information:
- Name and address of employer
- Nature of employment
- Starting date of employment
- Salary
- Purpose of travel
- Duration of time off from work for travel
9-Additional documents required – Scans (copies) of:
- Personal-ID page of passport.
- Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
- Residence permit (if relevant).
10-Applicants below 18 years old
Applicants who are minors (below 18 years old) are required to submit the following additional requirements:
- Copy of birth certificate.
- In case the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents must be submitted.
- If the minor applicant’s parents are divorced, divorce papers must be provided.
- If the minor applicant’s parents are deceased, death certificates are required as well.
- Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians.
- Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians.
Additional documents may need to be provided in support of your travel visa application
Switzerland Visa Fees
The regular fee for a Swiss Schengen visa application is 80 EUR, but there are certain exceptions where applicants are exempted from paying fees, such as student visas and visas for children below 6 years old. In addition to the visa fee, applicants may be required to pay a separate non-refundable service charge with their application.
Where to apply
One can submit their application by mail to a Swiss consulate or embassy, or to a visa application center affiliated with Switzerland. In countries without any Swiss consulate, applications may be submitted through a Schengen state consulate representing the interests of a Swiss consulate. Applications should be submitted only in the country of citizenship or residence.
Switzerland Visa Processing Time
Typically, the processing time for Swiss Schengen visa applications is around 10 to 15 days, although there may be situations where it takes longer.
For approved visa applications:
Applicants must ensure that the information on the visa is complete and valid upon collection. Applicants who have received their Schengen Visa for Switzerland should remember the following things: Inform the Swiss Consulate or visa application center of any change to your itinerary after submission is completed. The approval of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry upon arrival to Switzerland or other countries in the Schengen area. Additional documents pertaining to your financial means or accommodation may still be required to gain entry to Switzerland or other Schengen areas
For denied visa applications
If your application for a Swiss Schengen visa is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision within 30 days. The appeals process commences by obtaining the standard visa refusal form, which contains information about the basis for the denial and the appeal process guidelines. The appeal must be submitted in writing in German, French, or Italian, and should include the rationale for filing the appeal. The applicant can file the appeal themselves or have someone else file it on their behalf. A non-refundable fee of 200 CHF is required for the appeal to be processed. The appeal and a copy of the refusal should be sent to the following address: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) Quellenweg 6 3003 Bern-Wabern. The Administrative Court's decision is final and cannot be appealed further