Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens: Complete application guide for 2023

Considering a trip to Switzerland from Egypt, but finding the visa process daunting? No need to worry! This complete guide clarifies the entire application process of the Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens.

At iVisa, we aim to streamline your visa application process. Our convenient online application platform, expert guidance, and handy mobile app are all designed to make acquiring your visa for this Schengen country quick and easy.

Let's delve into the steps, requirements, and costs of getting a Swiss Schengen Visa, so you can focus on planning your trip!

Do Egyptian citizens need a Switzerland Schengen Visa?

Yes, Egyptian citizens need a Switzerland Visa to enter the country. This requirement applies to tourism, business trips, visiting friends and family, or short study programs. For more extended stays or other types of visits, different types of visas may be necessary.

What is the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is a Multiple Entry visa that allows its holders to visit Switzerland. The country is part of the Schengen Agreement, which includes 27 countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders.

Unless marked otherwise, the Switzerland Schengen Visa permits travel in the entire Schengen Zone. This means that you can use this visa to not only visit Switzerland but also other Schengen countries!

It's primarily intended for tourism, business, or transit purposes and for visiting family and friends. It's important to note that it doesn't permit the holder to work or study in the Schengen Zone. For such purposes, you can find out more on the Swiss government website.

How long is the Switzerland Schengen Visa valid for Egyptian citizens?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens is typically valid for short stays of up to 90 days Per Entry within 180 days.

While we offer a Multiple Entry visa application, the Swiss government determines the specific type of visa you receive. This means you could get a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa. If you are granted a multiple-entry visa, its validity can range from 180 days to a maximum of 5 years.

It's essential to check the visa validity dates on your issued visa sticker to ensure your travel plans fall within this period. Remember, overstaying your visa can lead to penalties and difficulties in obtaining Schengen Visas in the future.

Switzerland Schengen Visa requirements in Egypt

Embarking on the journey to secure a Switzerland Schengen Visa might seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the requirements, the process becomes much easier.

We provide a comprehensive list of necessary documents and specifications to apply for a Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens. Read more about the details of these requirements in the next sections.

Necessary documents for the Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens

To apply for this travel document, you will need the following:

Application form: Fully completed and signed.

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Two recent photos: Complying with the specific Switzerland Schengen Visa photo requirements. If you don’t have photos, use our handy digital photo service!

Medical insurance: Valid for the entire Schengen area, covering any potential medical expenses or repatriation with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Flight itinerary: Round trip reservation or itinerary showing your travel plans.

Proof of accommodation: Proof of where you will be staying throughout your trip, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, invitation letters from a host, etc.

Proof of financial means: Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, payslips, or a sponsorship letter.

Purpose of visit: Documents indicating the purpose of your visit, such as an invitation letter, tour itinerary, or enrollment confirmation.

Switzerland Schengen Visa passport requirements

When applying for any Schengen Visa, including the Switzerland Visa, you must make sure your Egyptian passport is valid and meets all the requirements:

• Valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area.

• Have at least two blank pages.

• Issued within the last ten years.

• Not damaged.

Switzerland Schengen Visa photo requirements

The Switzerland Schengen Visa application requires two recent photos that meet the government criteria:

• In color with a white background.

• 35mm x 45mm.

• You can’t smile with your mouth open, no sunglasses, no hats or head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons), and the face should take up 70-80% of the photo.

• Taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

To get updated, government-compliant passport photos from the comfort of your home, use our affordable passport photo service.

Switzerland Schengen Visa application: How to apply in Egypt

To get your visa to Switzerland quickly and easily, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Complete your basic details on our online platform or through our handy app. Review all information carefully.

• Step 2: Pay the iVisa service fee with a debit, credit card, or PayPal. You must pay the government fee during your appointment at the Swiss Consulate, Embassy, or Visa Application Center (VAC).

We’ll send you a complete step-by-step manual with how to fill out all information on the application form and how to prepare for the interview.

• Step 3: Fill out the rest of our simplified application form, and upload a passport scan and passport photo before submitting the info for review by our experts. We will make an interview appointment on your behalf and provide tips to prepare!

Then, attend the interview and wait for your approved visa!

How to prepare for the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in Egypt

Preparing for the Switzerland Schengen Visa interview in Egypt can be critical to your visa application process. Here are some helpful steps to help you prepare effectively:

Understand the purpose of the interview: The primary aim of the interview is to verify the information you have provided in your application and to ensure that you intend to visit Switzerland for the reasons stated in your application.

Document preparation: Gather all the necessary documents stated in your visa requirements and organize them properly. Double-check to ensure that all documents are up-to-date and valid.

Dress respectfully: Your appearance can create a positive impression. Dressing formally shows that you take the interview seriously.

Be punctual: Arrive at the embassy or consulate before your interview. Late arrivals may result in your appointment being rescheduled.

*Be honest and consistent: Providing honest answers during your interview is crucial. Inconsistent or false information can lead to your visa application being denied.

Remember, the interview is a standard part of the process and not something to worry about. Preparing adequately will help ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible, especially since our team of experts is here to guide you.

What is the Switzerland Schengen Visa processing time in 2023?

There are two parts to the application process when you apply through us. The total processing time is made up of the following:

1. iVisa standard processing, which takes up to 30 days for our team of experts to process and review your application. During this time, we will reach out for more information if needed and book your appointment. It does not include the time it takes the government to complete its process nor the actual date of your interview.

2. Government processing, which can take up to 45 days or longer.

It is advised to apply for a Swiss visa at least two months before your trip to accommodate your interview date and the lengthy processing times you may face.

Switzerland Schengen Visa for Egyptian citizens

The Switzerland Visa cost consists of two parts:

1. iVisa standard processing fee of USD $244.99 paid securely on our website.

This fee includes full support to guide you from start to finish and a step-by-step handbook to help you fill out the application form and prepare for your interview. It does not include the government fee.

2. Government visa fee of about USD $0.00 which you pay during the interview appointment. Children between 6 and 12 pay half the price, and kids under six do not pay a fee.

You also won’t need to pay a government fee if you are:

• A child or spouse from a UE, EFTA, or Swiss national.

• A CERN or UN worker traveling on an official trip.

• A student that will study in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days.

My Switzerland Schengen Visa in Egypt was denied. What should I do?

If your Switzerland Schengen Visa application was denied, it's important to remember not to panic. Here are steps you can take to understand why this happened and what to do next:

1. Understand the reasons for denial: When a visa application is denied, the embassy or consulate typically provides a reason. Common reasons can be insufficient travel insurance, lack of funds, invalid documents, or doubts about the genuineness of the visit.

2. Reapply: If your situation has changed or you can rectify the reason for the denial, you can consider reapplying. We advise applying through us to enjoy expert guidance at every step and avoid running into further issues.

3. Appeal the decision: You can appeal if you believe your application was unjustly denied. The appeal process and deadlines can differ from one country to another, so it's crucial to understand the rules in place. Remember that the appeal must be written in the official language of Switzerland, so you may need a translator. It should address the reasons given for the denial and provide arguments or evidence against them.

4. Get professional guidance: Feel free to contact us if you need clarification on the process or have been denied multiple times. Our team has years of visa applications experience and will be able to help you navigate the application and appeal process easily.

Remember, denial isn't the end of your travel dreams. Many successful travelers have faced visa denials before and have successfully reapplied with revised information.

Need more info about the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

If you still have questions regarding the Swiss Schengen Visa, please contact us through [email protected] or our live chat. We’ll be happy to help with the application process!