Switzerland Visa - all the details!

Tourism in Switzerland is a unique and magical experience that combines the beauty of nature and cultural heritage. Switzerland is characterized by its stunning mountain scenery, charming blue lakes, and traditional Swiss villages. Tourists come here to enjoy skiing in the Alps or relax on the banks of its quiet lakes. Switzerland has amazing historic cities like Zurich and Geneva, where visitors can explore culture and arts. In addition, the Gornergrat Panorama mountain train is considered one of the most important means of transportation to enjoy the country's stunning natural scenery.

Who needs a Switzerland visa?

Individuals can obtain a short-stay Swiss visa to enter Switzerland and any member state of the Schengen Area in the following cases:

1. Citizens of non-member countries of the Schengen Area that have not concluded visa liberalization agreements with this area.

2. Citizens of non-Schengen Area member states that have signed visa liberalization agreements with this Area, but were previously denied entry to Switzerland or any other Schengen Area country.

Please note: This visa allows an individual to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

What are the Arab countries whose citizens can travel to Switzerland without a visa?

As for the Arab countries, only UAE citizens are allowed to travel to Switzerland and any country in the Schengen area without the need for a visa.

What to visit in Switzerland? The most beautiful tourist places in Switzerland

---Find the best hotel deals in Switzerland---

Do you need a visa to transit through the airport while changing your flight in Switzerland?

Of course, there are some countries whose citizens are required to obtain a transit visa at the airport when changing their flight at airports in Switzerland. These countries include:

- Afghanistan

- Bangladesh

- Democratic Republic of the Congo

-Eritrea

- Ethiopia

-Ghana

-Iran

- Iraq

-Nigeria

- Pakistan

- Somalia

-Sri Lanka

You must apply for a transit visa when you stop in Switzerland, but note that even if you are a citizen of one of these countries, the need to apply for a visa depends on your final destination. If your destination is a country that is not a member of the Schengen Area, you can obtain a transit visa. If your destination is a Schengen country, you will need a Schengen visa type C.

What documents are necessary to request entry to Switzerland?

- Fill out the Swiss visa application form.

- Complete the form with the correct information that is consistent with the rest of the documents.

- A passport valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the requested visa, containing at least two blank pages and the applicant’s signature, and must not have been more than 10 years since its date of issue.

- Submit your previous passport if available.

- Photocopies of previous visas if you have previous visas to enter Switzerland, the Schengen area, or any other country.

- Travel medical insurance covering the visa period and valid in all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including clear conditions.

- A travel ticket confirming your reservation to enter and leave Switzerland.

- Proof of residence by booking a hotel.

- Proof of civil status, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate for children.

- Proof of financial resources such as bank account statements and personal assets.

- A personal letter explaining the reason for your visit to Switzerland, the period of stay, the date of departure, and other details.

- Passport size personal photos.

- Biometric data (fingerprints).

- Pay visa fees.

Retired:

Submitting a pension statement for the last 6 months is necessary.

Minor individuals seeking a short-stay visa to Switzerland, or parents applying for their minor child, must meet the additional Swiss visa requirements below:

1. Birth certificate of the minor who will travel to Switzerland.

2. Fill out a Switzerland visa application form signed by both parents.

3. The decision of the Family Court in cases where one parent has full custody of the minor.

4. Certified copies of the ID card or passport of each parent.

5. If the minor will be traveling with another person:

- An original copy and a copy of the passport page of the accompanying person, containing employer data, expiration date, a recent photo, and a copy of a valid visa.

- Notarized authorization to travel to Switzerland, signed by both parents or guardians.

*Note: A guardian must accompany their minor children when applying at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country of origin.

How to apply for a short-stay visa to Switzerland?

To complete the application process for a short-stay visa in Switzerland, you must follow these steps:

1. Select the appropriate type of visa to enter Switzerland.

2. Check where the visa application should be submitted.

3. Complete the application form for a short-stay visa for Switzerland.

4. Collect the documents required to obtain a Swiss visa.

5. Schedule an interview at the relevant Swiss embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

6. Attend the interview at the chosen location.

7. After completing the above steps, wait for your visa application to be processed.

Where can you apply for a short-stay visa in Switzerland?

Where you should submit your visa application depends on how the Swiss authorities organize visa acceptance in your country of residence. Accordingly, you may have to submit the application at one of the Swiss diplomatic agencies in your country of residence, and it could be one of the following options:

- Swiss Embassy

- Swiss Consulate

- The Visa Application Center, which cooperates with Switzerland to provide the services necessary to obtain a visa.

- An embassy or consulate of another Schengen country that is used as a reference to apply for a visa on behalf of Switzerland.

How much does it cost to apply for a short stay in Switzerland?

Fees are charged for Swiss Schengen visa categories as follows:

- Adults: 80 euros / 96 dollars

- Children (6-12 years): 40 euros / 48 dollars

Are there categories that are exempt from paying Swiss visa fees?

Yes, there are categories that are exempt from paying visa fees:

1. Children under 6 years of age.

2. Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports who travel for official purposes.

3. Researchers traveling to conduct scientific research.

Please note that the visa fee is due at the time of application and is non-refundable. If the application is withdrawn or rejected, the fees will not be reimbursed. The Swiss representation reserves the right to adjust fee amounts at any time based on exchange rate fluctuations.

What to visit in Switzerland? The most beautiful tourist places in Switzerland

---Find the best hotel deals in Switzerland---