Switzerland visa for Saudis 2025
12 Sep 2024
Switzerland Visa for Saudis Switzerland is located in the middle of the European continent and is characterized by its charming nature and moderate climate, which makes it one of the most beautiful European tourist destinations in the world. Thousands of tourists, especially from Arab countries, visit it, which makes many wonder about the Swiss visa for Saudis and how long it takes to be officially issued by the Swiss embassy or consulate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Switzerland is linked to the European visa system, or what is known as the Schengen visa, which must adhere to all the required conditions and submit complete documents to obtain it.
How long does a Swiss visa for Saudis take?
The expected period for issuing a travel visa to Switzerland for citizens and passport holders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is between 3 and 12 official working days, and this period starts from the date of fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting is required for adults aged 12 years and above, while fingerprinting is not required for children under 12 years of age. From the day of fingerprinting, the visa issuance date is determined within the previously specified period.
Completing the required papers and adhering to all the conditions set by the embassy will help in issuing the visa in a shorter period. It is recommended to submit the visa application at least 15 days before the flight reservation date.
According to the EU Visa Law, the issuance of a visa cannot exceed a maximum of 15 days to process the application, and in exceptional cases it can reach 30 or 60 days.
Read also: Tourism in Switzerland and the best places in Switzerland
Switzerland visa price for Saudis
The price of issuing a Swiss visa for Saudis is 80 euros, which is equivalent to 330 Saudi riyals. Certain categories are exempt from visa fees, such as students, children under six years of age, and diplomatic passports.
The visa applicant must pay a separate service fee of SAR 129 per application upon submission of the visa application, and this fee is non-refundable in case the application is rejected.
The price of an entry visa to Switzerland, whether for work, tourism, treatment or transit, is set at 80 euros or its equivalent in Saudi riyals, while children from 6 to 12 years old can pay 40 euros or its equivalent in Saudi riyals.
Holders of diplomatic and special passports applying for an official or personal visit to Austria are exempt from paying visa costs and fees. All payments are collected in local currency, either by credit card or in cash.
A special service is available to deliver the return of applications processed by the embassy at a price of 50 Saudi riyals, subject to change, per application. This service is optional and the amount paid is non-refundable in any case.
Is Switzerland Schengen visa
Switzerland is one of the most important parties to the Schengen Agreement on the free movement of persons between the member states, which allows the visa holder to enter Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy and other countries.
Switzerland joined the Schengen Visa countries on December 12, 2008, by signing an agreement that guarantees freedom of movement and travel between the countries in the organization, which helped stimulate tourism and travel to Switzerland.
Fingerprints can be dispensed with for people who have applied for entry to one of the Schengen countries within the last three years, and this helps in completing the visa procedures in less time and obtaining it faster.
Read also: The best hotels in Geneva, Switzerland
Switzerland visa offices
Swiss visa offices for Saudis help the applicant obtain many advantages and speed up the visa issuance process. The most prominent of these advantages are the following:
- Save time in applying for a visa and complete the transaction easily and quickly.
- It helps the citizen save time and effort in going to the embassy offices and waiting in queues to submit the papers to the office.
- Modify the application when necessary, and inform the applicant of the required documents.
- Follow up on the status of the visa application and inform the visa applicant by sending continuous text notifications.
- Pay all required fees in an easy way.
- Filling out the visa application in a systematic manner helps to get it accepted the first time.
Read also: Tourism in the country of nature and beauty, Switzerland
In addition to the stunning nature, Swiss cuisine is distinguished by its diversity and delicious and unique dishes. Famous Swiss cheeses such as fondue and raclette, along with delicious chocolate, are among the most prominent foods that visitors can taste and enjoy during their stay.
If you intend to visit Switzerland, you can enjoy tourism in Switzerland with a variety of activities such as skiing, riding the famous mountain trains, and exploring the historic cities and beautiful Swiss villages.
Travel conditions to Switzerland from Saudi Arabia
When traveling to and from Saudi Arabia, there is some important information to consider:
- Passport: A passport is essential. It must be valid and renewed, and at least valid for 3 months. This will enable you to travel to Arab countries without any problems.
- Foreign Countries: If you intend to travel to foreign countries, you must ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. This is a necessary condition for obtaining travel permission and entering those countries.
- Validity and Registration: If your passport is valid (for 3 months for Arab countries and 6 months for foreign countries), you can travel outside the Kingdom without the need to register your biometrics in the automated systems.
- National ID: You should be aware that the national ID (through the Absher and Tawakkalna applications) does not allow you to travel outside Saudi Arabia. It is preferable to be accompanied by a passport to travel to the Gulf countries.
- ID and Passport: Holding a national ID is necessary to issue or renew a passport for dependents over 10 years of age.
The most beautiful tourist places in Switzerland for Saudis... Click here
--- Find the best hotel deals in Switzerland ---
Enjoy your travels and always make sure to check travel requirements before heading to your destination.
Switzerland visa for Saudis
Saudis must obtain a visa in advance to travel to Switzerland or the Schengen area.
Switzerland visa for Saudis
A special cooperation has been announced by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the "FS" Foundation as an external partner. This cooperation aims to facilitate the process of submitting visa applications to Switzerland and the Schengen countries.
For residents of the Kingdom, visa applications can be submitted at the Swiss Visa Application Centres located in Riyadh and Jeddah. All applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh. This collaboration ensures that visa procedures are facilitated and accelerated, contributing to a smoother travel planning process and a positive travel experience.
Important Schengen Guidelines
You must obtain a Schengen visa from the embassy or consulate of the country you have chosen as the main purpose of your trip. If you intend to visit several countries in the Schengen area, you must make sure to apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where you intend to stay for the longest period. If you plan to stay for the same number of days in each country, you must apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where your first point of entry will be. It is advisable to review your travel plans before applying for the visa to ensure optimal coordination.
Document requirements for obtaining a Swiss visa
The documents required to apply for a Swiss visa must be completed and translated into German, French or Italian.
1. Passport
- Must be valid.
- It must contain at least two blank pages.
- Must include the applicant's signature.
- It must not be more than 10 years old.
- Must be valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the requested visa.
- Previous passport must be presented if available.
2. Personal photos
- It should be 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size.
- The background must be white, clear and unadorned.
- Must be recent (taken no more than 6 months ago).
- The head should be facing forward and the facial features should be clear.
3. Completed application form
4. Biometric data (fingerprints)
5. Schengen Visa Fees for Switzerland
6. Documents related to your trip
- The itinerary or program of the trip.
- Proof of departure and return to the country of residence or a ticket for the onward journey to another country.
- Purpose of travel to Switzerland.
- Flight booking.
- Proof of financial resources (bank statements for the last three months, personal property, and other sources of income).
- Proof of accommodation availability in Switzerland (hotel reservation reference number, address and telephone number of the hotel).
7. Travel medical insurance
- It must be valid for the entire duration of the visa and in all Schengen countries.
- It must include financial coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- The terms of coverage must be clearly defined.
8. Employment letter
- It must include the name and address of the employer, the nature of the work, the start date of work, the salary, the purpose of travel, and the authorized period of absence from work.
9. Additional documents for minors (under 18 years old)
- A copy of the birth certificate.
- Adoption documents if the minor is adopted.
- Divorce papers if the parents are divorced.
- Death certificates if one of the parents is deceased.
- Letter of consent from parents or legal guardians.
- Copies of passports of parents or legal guardians.
In addition, special cases may require additional documents to be submitted for the visa application.
Cost of Schengen visa Switzerland
Typically, the cost of applying for a Schengen visa for Switzerland is 80 euros. However, there are some categories that are exempt from this fee, such as postgraduate students and children under the age of 6. In addition, the application process may involve paying an additional non-refundable service fee, in addition to the basic fee.
Steps to apply for a Schengen visa to Switzerland
To ensure that your Schengen visa application to Switzerland is successful, the following steps must be followed:
1. Complete the required documents: Prepare and complete all the documents required for the visa application.
2. Specify the purpose of travel: In the visa application form, specify “tourism” as the main purpose of travel.
3. Determine the number of entries required: Determine the number of entries you plan to make to Switzerland or the Schengen Area in general.
4. Filling out the application form: Fill out the visa application form carefully and accurately.
5. Choosing the method of application: There are different methods to apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland, depending on the instructions of the Swiss consulate or visa processing center. You can visit the Swiss consulate website to find out the appropriate method for your country.
6. Make a visa appointment: You may need to make an appointment to apply for your visa. Some can make appointments online, or contact the Swiss consulate to book an appointment.
7. Submitting the application: You may be required to submit your visa application in person at your scheduled appointment. There may be exceptions for some categories.
8. Pay the fees: Make sure to pay the required visa application fees.
9. Biometric data: You may be asked to provide your fingerprints as part of the process, usually for people under 12 years of age.
10. Personal Interview: In some cases, you may be required to conduct a personal interview and answer some questions related to your planned trip.
Make sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date, and remember that application procedures may vary slightly depending on the country and consulate.
Switzerland Schengen Visa Application Deadline
Visa applications must be submitted no later than 15 days before the date of travel, but not more than 6 months before that date of travel.
Places to apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland
There are several options for applying for a visa to Switzerland, and you can choose any of them according to your circumstances:
1. Swiss Consulates and Embassies: Visa applications can be submitted by mail to the nearest Swiss Consulate or Embassy in your country.
2. Visa Application Centres: Visa application centres are available in a number of countries and are designed to facilitate the application process.
3. Schengen Consulates: In countries where there is no Swiss consulate, the application can be submitted through a Schengen consulate representing the consular interests of Switzerland.
4. Country of nationality or legal residence: The application can be submitted in your country if you hold its nationality, or in a country where you legally reside.
You need to make sure of the exact place to apply according to the option that suits you according to your personal situation.
Switzerland visa processing period
Generally, the processing of Schengen visa applications for Switzerland takes between 10 and 15 days. However, it can take longer in some cases.
If your Swiss visa application is approved:
It is essential that applicants check the accuracy and completeness of the data included in the visa upon receipt.
They should take into account the following:
They must inform the Swiss Consulate or Visa Application Centre of any changes to their flight schedule after submitting the application.
Even if the visa is approved, it does not necessarily guarantee entry into Switzerland or any other country in the Schengen area.
They may be required to submit additional documents relating to their financial situation or place of residence in Switzerland, in order to be allowed to enter the country or the Schengen Area in general.
If your Swiss visa application is rejected:
If your application for a Swiss Schengen visa is refused, you have the right to file an appeal against this decision within 30 days from the date of the refusal.
The appeal process begins by receiving a visa refusal form, which will contain details of why the application was refused and the procedures required to file an appeal.
The appeal must be made in German, French or Italian and must explain the reasons for its submission in detail.
You can file the appeal yourself or have someone else file it on your behalf.
You must pay an appeal fee of CHF 200, which is non-refundable.
The appeal request and a copy of the rejection decision must be sent to the following address:
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) Quellenweg 6 3003 Bern-Wabern
If the appeal reaches the Swiss Federal Administrative Court, its decision will be final and cannot be appealed.
The most beautiful tourist places in Switzerland for Saudis... Click here
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Knowing the Swiss visa for Saudis helps you to submit the papers in a timely manner to ensure that the application is responded to. You must also complete all the required papers and ensure that the information is completed correctly to help the application be accepted in less time.