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Apply today for the Switzerland Schengen Visa with us!

Last updated: October 2023

Welcome to Switzerland, a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its gorgeous natural landscapes, magical lakes, and vibrant cities.

This fascinating destination and other Schengen countries are closer than ever since you can now apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa with our guidance! We offer a stress-free experience and a team of experts ready to assist whenever you need them.

jungfrau switzerland railway

What is the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is one of the most popular visas for travelers wishing to visit the country and the rest of the Schengen Area without needing individual visas for each destination.

With the Switzerland Schengen Visa, you can visit all 27 Schengen states: 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.

Please note: Switzerland must be where you will spend the most time during your visit to the Schengen Zone.

What can I do with the Swiss Schengen Visa?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa offers many benefits:

Explore Switzerland and other Schengen countries as a tourist.
Visit family and friends.
Transit at an airport.
Do business activities.
Participate in short studies.
Attend sports and cultural events.
Undergo health treatments.

What can’t I do with the Swiss Schengen Visa?

With this visa, you can’t do paid work or live in Switzerland. For information about work visas or residency permits, check the Swiss government website.

Who is eligible to apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

To be eligible for a Swiss Schengen Visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include:

Purpose of visit: You must have a valid reason for visiting Switzerland, such as tourism or business.
Duration of stay: Your intended stay in Switzerland should be within the maximum allowed period as stated on your visa (more info below).
Intention to return: You must prove your intention to leave Switzerland and the Schengen area before your visa expires by showing ties to your home country.
Financial means: You must show that you can cover expenses during your stay in Switzerland with bank statements, proof of employment, or a sponsorship letter.
Travel insurance: It’s mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the entire Schengen Zone, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Which nationalities must apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

Most foreign visitors living outside the Schengen Zone or the European Union must meet all the requirements to get a Swiss Schengen Visa.

Who is visa-exempt for Switzerland?

European and Schengen residents don’t need a visa for Switzerland. Additionally, passport holders from the below countries can travel to Switzerland and the Schengen Zone without a visa:

United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand

This list is not exhaustive. Check if you need the Switzerland Schengen Visa using our Visa Checker Tool, and start the application process immediately!

Do children and minors need a Schengen Visa for Switzerland?

Yes, minors from eligible countries must also have a Schengen Visa to visit Switzerland.

Both parents or legal guardians must sign the application form. Additional documents may be necessary to submit during the application process, such as the child’s birth certificate. You can apply as a family on our website by clicking ‘Add another person’ during the online process.

How long is the Switzerland Schengen Visa valid?

You can visit Switzerland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per entry within a 180-day period. This means you can enter and travel between any Schengen country as often as you like, as long as you do not exceed the cumulative 90 days.

Important: While you can apply for a multiple-entry visa via us, the Swiss authorities ultimately decide if you receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa.

The multiple-entry visa is usually issued for a period between 180 days to 5 years, with a max. stay of 90 days per entry. This decision is based on your supporting documents, travel history, and other factors.

Can I extend the Swiss Schengen Visa?

No, it’s not possible to extend a Schengen Visa. In exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies, an extension is granted. If you need more time in Switzerland or the Schengen Area than your visa allows, you must go home and reapply for a new Schengen Visa.

Switzerland Schengen Visa required documents

To start your application online, you only need your passport and photo.

However, you must gather the following Switzerland Schengen Visa requirements before attending your interview appointment:

Valid passport: Valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date and with at least two blank pages. If you live in a country different from your country of origin, please submit your proof of residency.
Travel plans: Include a return flight ticket or any confirmed hotel reservation(s) and tours to show your travel plans.
Sufficient funds: Show that you can finance your trip by providing bank statements or other documents stating your income and financial stability.
Travel insurance: The insurance policy must cover medical expenses up to €30,000 in the entire Schengen Zone.
Two passport-size photos: If you don’t have any, use our affordable digital photo service from the comfort of your own home.
Visa application form: Bring the official application form, filled out, printed, and signed. You’ll receive the form during the online application process on our website.
Additional documents: Proving your professional and social status (if applicable).

How to apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa with us

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

Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details on our online platform or through our handy app. Double-check all information carefully.
Step 2: Then, pay our iVisa service fee with a debit, credit card, or PayPal. The government fee will be paid at the Swiss Consulate, Embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country during your appointment.
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.

You’ll receive a complete step-by-step manual with how to fill out all information on the application form, and which required documents to bring to the mandatory visa interview. We will make an appointment on your behalf and provide tips to prepare!

Switzerland Schengen Visa costs and processing time

The Switzerland Visa fees consist of two parts:

iVisa standard processing: Takes up to 30 days and costs US$149.99 excluding the government fee.

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.

Government processing: The Swiss authorities can take up to 45 days to decide, but it can take longer. It is advised to apply for a Swiss visa at least two months before you go.

The government visa fee of about US$85 (may differ per nationality) must be paid during your appointment (half-price for children between the age of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).

You 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.

Do I need a Switzerland Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?

Yes, a Switzerland Airport Transit Visa is needed for certain nationals who want to enter the country to change transportation means.

There are two Schengen transit visa categories:

Airport Transit Schengen Visa.
Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers.

Check with your nearest Swiss Embassy to find out more about transit visas.

Benefits of getting your Switzerland Schengen Visa with us

Government-compliant: Our team of iVisa agents will review your information and make sure it’s correct and complete.
Unlimited access to the iVisa Expert Team: We give you exclusive access to our iVisa Expert Team to guide you from start to finish and answer any questions during the process.
Simplified application form: Fill out a clear and short application form that’s easier to understand than the government form.
Fill out at your own pace: Complete the application form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress whenever you need a break.
Step-by-step guide: Get an exclusive PDF manual with all the tips you need to answer complex questions and how to prepare for your interview.

COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Switzerland

Great news! COVID-19 tests, vaccination certificates, or quarantining are not required to enter Switzerland and the Schengen Zone.

As this info can change quickly, we recommend checking the entry requirements with your airline shortly before you depart.

Differences between the Switzerland Schengen Visa and ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization that will be implemented from the end of 2023. Here are the differences between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa:

ETIAS is a new travel authorization system designed to improve European security. The purpose is to check whether visa-free travelers visiting the European Union and the Schengen Area pose any safety risks to the region.

The ETIAS system is comparable to the United States ESTA system. If you can enjoy visa-free travel and are not required to have a Schengen Visa, you can apply for your ETIAS online once it’s available.

Check back regularly for updates on the availability and application process of ETIAS!

Need more info about the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

If you need more information about the Switzerland Schengen Visa or have more questions about the online process, we’re here to help!

Our dedicated team of customer service agents is available via online chat to assist with any questions or you can email them at [email protected].

Required Documents to Apply

Passport scan.

Important Instructions

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is a multiple-entry travel document to visit Switzerland and all other countries of the Schengen Area.
You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
We advise you to apply for this visa at least two months ahead to avoid delays.
With the Switzerland Schengen Visa you can visit the country for tourism, unpaid business activities, short studies, sports or cultural events, visiting friends and family, and health treatments.

Questions?

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Remember that the customer service team at iVisa is here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our service.

When should I apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

A Switzerland Schengen Visa is issued in at least 15 working days. Sometimes it can take 45 days. The process can be long, especially if you apply alone. For that reason, we recommend you apply 2 months in advance for this visa to avoid any delays, but if you want to apply with more anticipation, it is permitted to submit your application 6 months in advance.

Remember that with iVisa you can apply easily for a Switzerland Schengen Visa with the help of an iVisa Visa Expert. Forget about going through a stressful visa application for yourself and start to enjoy planning your trip!

Apply now!

How long does it take to apply for the Switzerland Schengen Visa form?

It will only take around 20 minutes to fill out our simplified form online.

Start your application here!

What documents do I need to apply online for the Switzerland Schengen Visa Form?

To submit your online application, we only require you to have your passport scan. That’s it!

Apply now!

What documents do I need to bring to the Switzerland Schengen Visa appointment?

You should bring the following documents:

Your printed and signed application form.
Two application photos. Make sure they follow the Schengen standards.
The payment for the visa fee.
Your collected fingerprints in case you have not registered them in the VIS (Visa Information System) for the previous 59 months. Children younger than 12 don’t need to follow this requirement.
Your valid passport. It needs to have been issued for the past 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
Copies of your previous Schengen Visas issued within the past 5 years (if needed).
Prove that you are capable of financing your trip. For example, bring your bank statements from the last 3 months with your full name and current address. You will need to spend a minimum of $100 per day in Switzerland, and $30 per day if you are a student.
If you can’t prove you can support yourself during your trip, you will need an official declaration of guarantee signed by your host and certified by the emigration authorities in Switzerland.
Your proof of accommodation. For example, a confirmed hotel booking. If you are traveling with a group, you will need a certificate from the travel agency.
If you are living in a country different from your country of origin, please bring your proof of residency.
A signed and dated letter of invitation from your host, including his/her Swiss passport or residence permit copy if he/she isn’t Swiss.
You will need a recent, official, signed, and dated letter from your employer including your position in the company and salary.
If you are self-employed, bring a copy of your business license, tax return, and bank statement.
If you are a student, you need a recent, official, signed, and dated letter from your school, university, or college specifying your enrollment.
If you are traveling for business, you need a letter of invitation from the host company in Switzerland with your full name and travel details.
A copy of your flight reservation.
Your travel itinerary. It is always helpful to detail all the activities you’re going to do during your trip and means of transport.
If you travel alone as a minor, you will need parental consent.
Health insurance for travel that could cover hospitalizations, emergencies, urgent treatments and healthcare, death, or repatriation in the Schengen area of at least 30,000 euros.

Do you have all these documents? Apply here!

Can I travel to all the Schengen countries with the Switzerland Schengen Visa?

Yes, you can! The Switzerland Schengen Visa is a travel authorization that allows you to visit Switzerland and all the countries from the Schengen area.

Apply now!

Can I get the Switzerland Schengen Visa for free?

No. There is a government fee you will usually need to pay.

You need to pay at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center(VAC) a government fee of $88 USD (80 euros) in cash (appointment fee not included). Children between the age of 6 and 11 will need to pay a government fee of $44 USD (40 euros) in cash. Children under 6 years old won't need to pay a government fee.

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

A child or a 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.

We charge a small fee but remember that by applying beforehand with iVisa, you can avoid any delays or errors, including saving time at immigration. Our team of experts will also review your application to minimize the likelihood of errors to guarantee you a smooth entry to Switzerland.

NOTE: Sometimes you can pay the government fees online, depending on your country of residence.

Start your application with iVisa now!

How long is the Switzerland Schengen Visa valid?

The Switzerland Schengen Visa is a travel authorization, with a validity period of 5 years and a permitted stay of a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.

NOTE: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, it is the Embassy that decides if you will receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa.

Apply now!

Are there any COVID-19 requirements to enter Switzerland?

There are no COVID-19 requirements for travelers to enter Switzerland.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service agents if you have further questions, they’re available for you 24/7.

Chat with them here

How do processing times work?

At iVisa, we understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide you with the fastest service possible. Our processing times are estimated based on the average duration it takes governments to process visa applications. These estimated times begin from the moment we receive all the correct information for your application until you receive your visa. While we work diligently to expedite the process, it’s important to note that we are reliant on the processing times set by the government authorities.