Switzerland lifts visa restrictions on Ethiopia with immediate effect

The decision restores several visa facilitations for Ethiopian nationals after the country improved its cooperation on returning citizens staying illegally in the Schengen area

Switzerland has removed the visa restrictions it imposed on Ethiopia two years ago, effective immediately as of June 12, 2026. The Federal Council approved the decision at its meeting today, according to Switzerland's Federal Department of Finance.

The move brings Switzerland back in line with the European Union, which took similar action in May after determining that Ethiopia had made meaningful progress in cooperating with Schengen countries on the return of Ethiopian nationals who had been residing illegally in the bloc.

Why the restrictions were introduced

Back in April 2024, the EU froze several provisions of the Schengen Visa Code for Ethiopia because the country was not doing enough to take back its citizens who were in the Schengen area without legal status. Because Switzerland is bound by the Schengen Association Agreement, it was required to mirror the EU's decision and applied the same restrictions.

What prompted the reversal

Over the past two years, Ethiopia has significantly stepped up its cooperation on returns, satisfying the conditions that had triggered the original restrictions. The EU formally reactivated the suspended Visa Code provisions in May 2026, and Switzerland confirmed it had independently observed the same positive shift before signing off on today's decision.

What changes for Ethiopian visa applicants

With the restrictions now lifted, several practical benefits have been restored for Ethiopian nationals applying for Swiss visas. Applicants may now have certain supporting documents waived during the application process. Holders of diplomatic and service passports are once again exempt from visa fees. Ethiopian travelers can now apply for multiple-entry visas, which had been unavailable during the restriction period. And visa applications will once again be processed within a 15-day window, rather than the longer timelines that applied under the restricted regime.