extend tourist visa switzerland

Who needs a visa? Open accordion

Citizens of EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) member states do not require a visa to enter Switzerland.

If you come from another country, whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality. The website of the State Secretariat for Migration provides you with an overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality .

Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area*. If you have a visa issued by a Schengen member state, you generally do not require an additional tourist visa to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. You can use this calculator to check whether or not your stay exceeds the short-term limit.

If you have one of the following Swiss residence permits, you do not require a visa to enter Switzerland or another Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies regardless of your nationality:

B permit (residence permit)

C permit (settlement permit)

L permit (short-term residence permit)

Ci permit (resident permit with gainful employment)

Legitimation card issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

*The 27 Schengen member states are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

How can I obtain a visa? Open accordion

Complete a form.

There two types of visa application form .

Schengen visa for up to 90 days (Type C): This type of visa is for a stay of up to 90 days, for example for tourist purposes, to study or to participate in a cultural or sporting event. It is valid for travel throughout the Schengen Area.

If you wish to work in Switzerland, you must additionally apply for a work permit .

Long-stay visa for more than 90 days (Type D): If you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Type D visa.

Submitting a visa application

You must submit a visa application to a Swiss consulate or embassy , preferably at least two months but no longer than six months before you travel.

In certain cases, you can submit your application via the online visa system .

To travel abroad from Switzerland, you must submit your visa application to the consulate or embassy of the appropriate country in Switzerland.

Additional documents

Depending on your country of origin, the Swiss consulate or embassy where you submit your visa application may request additional documents, even if you are only applying for a tourist visa. The documents may include:

Letter of invitation: The letter must be in German, French or Italian and confirm that your Swiss host (private individual or company) is expecting you. It must contain information on the length of and reason for your stay, your personal data (first name(s), surname, date of birth, nationality) and the personal data of your host. The letter must be dated and signed by your host. Further information on the letter of invitation is available in the SEM factsheet .

Declaration of sponsorship: If the Swiss consulate or embassy doubts you have sufficient financial means for your stay in Switzerland, you may have to submit a declaration of sponsorship before you are granted a visa. In this declaration, your host must confirm that they will pay for uncovered costs up to a maximum of CHF 30,000. Your host must sign the declaration and deposit it with the communal authority of his or her place of residence or with the cantonal migration authority. Further information on the declaration of sponsorship is available on the SEM website .

Travel health insurance For a short-term visa (maximum of 90 days) you must prove that you have travel health insurance that covers costs of up to EUR 30,000. The insurance policy must be with an insurance company that is recognised by the consulate or embassy processing your visa application

How much does a visa cost? Open accordion

A visa for an adult costs EUR 90.

A visa for a child (6 to 12 years) costs EUR 45.

Visas for children under 6 are free of charge.

In certain cases, the cost of a visa may be lowered or lifted completely. The cost of a long-stay visa for more than 90 days (Type D) may be increased by 50%.

What to do if you lose your travel document Open accordion

If you lose your travel document, you must report the loss immediately to the nearest police station (web page in German, French and Italian) where you are staying. You can speed up the procedure by providing a copy of your travel document.

A leaflet  describes what to do if you lose your travel document in Switzerland and how to replace your visa.

Further information Open accordion

State Secretariat for Migration SEM: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality .

Information on tourist visas:  Foreign representations in Switzerland .

Tourist visa for Switzerland:  List of Swiss representations abroad (in French and German)

State Secretariat for Migration:  Frequently asked questions about entering Switzerland

Short-term stay calculator from the State Secretariat for Migration

• Table of contents

Please find below all the necessary information about the visa requirements for your private or tourist visit. Moreover, you will learn more about how to apply for a visa extension or for a return visa.

Private or tourist visit requiring a visa

The Swiss representations abroad are in charge of issuing visitor and tourist visas.

• Do I require a visa?
• Fact sheet of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Important comment on permanent residence in Switzerland

A visitor visa or tourist visa is only valid for a temporary stay in Switzerland of up to a maximum of 90 days. If you wish to take up permanent residence in Switzerland, you must apply for an entry permit and state the purpose of your stay. The following links will guide you directly to the respective information pages.

• Entry of third-country nationals without gainful employment
• Family reunification of third-country nationals
• Entry of third-country nationals with gainful employment

Visa extensions

Visa extensions may be granted in case of force majeure or if humanitarian or serious personal reasons prevail. In order for us to assess the situation, we need to see you personally at our office. If you are on a private visit, your personal guarantor is required to accompany you. If a visa extension involves children or adolescents under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present as well.

The following situations do not represent important reasons justifying a visa extension:

• awaiting a decision on permanent residence in Switzerland
• taking care of family members
• medical treatment unless it is an emergency in-patient treatment
• business reasons
• organizational reasons (e.g. personal assistance is required, no travel experience, communication problems)

The guarantor must be domiciled in the Canton of Zurich. Moreover, it must be the same person who committed himself/herself in the visa application submitted to the Swiss representation abroad.   

The respective commitment may be signed by a solvent Swiss citizen, a legal entity registered in the Commercial Register, or by a foreign national with a valid residence or settlement permit and a registered place of residence in the Canton of Zurich.

Apply for visa extension

• Download Application for Schengen Visa / Antrag auf Erteilung eines Schengen-Visums PDF | 6 Pages | Deutsch | 245 KB

Return visa

You will require a return visa if your visit is not governed by a permit. However, such return visa is only issued if one of the following requirements is fulfilled:

• if you meet the requirements related to residence in Switzerland, but your residence or settlement permit is temporarily not in your possession;
• if your application for a residence permit is pending and the Migration Office authorized you to stay here during the application procedure; or
• if the Migration Office or Residents’ Registration Office is reviewing your application to extend your residence or settlement permit and you wish to go on holidays.

In order for us to assess the situation, we need to see you personally at our office. If children under the age of 18 are involved, a parent or legal guardian must be present as well.

There is no legal entitlement to a return visa.

Further information

Use the accordion controls to toggle the visibility of each panel (below the controls).

Fact sheets & downloads

• Download SchengenVISA und Ihre Personendaten PDF | 5 Pages | Deutsch | 78 KB
• Download Visumverlängerung PDF | 11 Pages | Deutsch | 391 KB
• Download Durchsetzung der Einreisevorschriften PDF | 10 Pages | Deutsch | 380 KB
• Download Erteilung eines Rückreisevisums PDF | 9 Pages | Deutsch | 379 KB

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Information & types of visa for switzerland.

When coming to Switzerland for a holiday , short stay or to study , it is important to know what type of visa you need to apply for. Visas in Switzerland are used to cover short trips to the country or for attending university . If you would like to stay in Switzerland for work , or you are in the middle of looking for a house , it is best to apply for a residence permit .

Types of visa for Switzerland

Switzerland has four types of visa:

• Swiss tourist visa
• Schengen visas for business, medical or cultural purposes
• Swiss national visa for students
• Swiss airport transit visa

Which countries need a visa for Switzerland?

Citizens of countries that are not part of the EU / EEA or EFTA will have to apply for a Swiss visa before travelling to Switzerland. In order to apply for a Swiss visa, you must request one from the Swiss embassy or consulate in the country where you are a resident.

Who does not need a visa?

Although not a member of the European Union, Switzerland has signed agreements with the EU and EFTA that allow citizens to travel between each member state without a visa. This means that citizens from EU / EEA countries (including the United Kingdom) or EFTA countries (Andorra, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, the Vatican City and a number of others) can enter Switzerland and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

You can check visa requirements for your specific country by visiting the official website .

Essential travel documents to enter Switzerland

Regardless of whether you require a visa or not, it's handy to have the following documents to hand when entering Switzerland:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity.
• Proof of travel insurance for the length of your stay.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself (e.g. a bank statement or payslip ).
• Proof of your purpose for travel.
• Proof that you will return to your country of residence if you are not looking for a job  or applying for an extension or residence permit.

You may be prevented from entering Switzerland if you are deemed to be a threat to public order, civil liberties, public health, domestic security, inter-community relations or international relations. You may also be denied entry if you are the subject of a travel ban from the EU or EFTA.

What documents do you need to apply for a Swiss visa?

If you are not covered by a visa-free travel agreement, there are several key items you will need to provide to apply for a Swiss visa, regardless of its type:

• An application form from your local Swiss embassy.
• Two passport-style photos that have been taken recently.
• Proof that you have health insurance and are insured up to 35.000 Swiss francs.
• A cover letter explaining your reasons for coming to Switzerland.
• Flight itinerary or reservation.
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay such as a rental contract  or hotel booking.
• Proof of financial security for the duration of your stay (i.e. you are able to spend 100 Swiss francs a day during the stay (30 francs a day for students in higher education ).

Visas in Switzerland

There are four types of visa available for visitors in Switzerland, each with its own purpose and limitations.

1. Tourist and visitor visa

A tourist and visitor visa (C-visa) for Switzerland is the most common type of visa granted for short-stay trips such as holidays or visiting family . This visa is valid for 90 days and allows for travel to all parts of Switzerland and the Schengen area. On top of the documents listed above, to apply for this visa you will also need to provide:

• Proof of residency in the country in which you are applying.
• A recent letter from your employer; if you are self-employed or a  freelancer  and want to apply for a Swiss tourist visa, a copy of a business license or tax return is required.

2. Swiss Schengen visa

If you want to come to Switzerland for business, medical or cultural reasons from a country that does not have a visa agreement with Switzerland, you will need a Swiss Schengen visa (European C-visa). Some non-EU / EFTA nationals may also have to apply for a Schengen visa in order to enter the country to apply for a residence permit.

Is Switzerland in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a collection of 26 countries in Europe that have unified their policies on visas and thus removed most border restrictions between them, allowing for open travel. Switzerland has been part of this group since 2008.

Types of Swiss Schengen visa

Like other Schengen visas, the Swiss Schengen visa can be used in two different ways: It can either function as a single stay of up to 90 days or as multiple trips of up to 90 days within a period of 180. If you want to exit and re-enter the Schengen area on the same visa, you must apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. For example, if you travel home between two trips to Switzerland, you must apply for a multiple-entry visa.

If you stay in the Schengen area for 90 days, you must leave and remain outside it for 90 days before you can apply for another visa.

Required documents for Swiss Schengen visa

You will also need some additional supporting documents to apply for a Swiss Schengen visa. Exactly which documents you require will differ depending on the nature of your stay in Switzerland. It is advisable to contact your local Swiss embassy or consulate in advance to find out the exact requirements.

When applying for a Swiss Schengen visa, some common documents that may be required are:

• An invitation letter from a Swiss company and a certificate from your employer allowing travel (for a visa for business).
• A local medical report, confirmation of appointment in Switzerland from a  doctor at a  Swiss hospital and the payment receipt of medical fees (for a medical visa).
• An invitation letter detailing the nature of the activity and a list of applicants / crew members (for a cultural visa).
• Proof of citizenship, marriage certificate and Swiss family record book (for a spouse visa).

3. Swiss national visa

The Swiss National visa (D-visa) allows you to stay for more than 90 days in Switzerland and the Schengen area. This visa only applies to students wanting to study in Switzerland or for family members of Swiss citizens .

4. Swiss transit visa

A Swiss transit visa (A-visa) is for international airport passengers that are making a stopover at a Swiss airport  while travelling to a destination outside of the Schengen area. To apply for a Swiss transit visa you must provide proof of visa for your final destination. You are not permitted to exit the airport at any point with this type of visa. If you need to exit the airport in Switzerland then you must apply for a Swiss Schengen visa.

Staying longer than 90 days

If you would like to extend your stay beyond the 90-day limit and have not applied for a national visa or residence permit, you must contact your county (canton) .

To extend your visa you will require:

• A valid reason to extend your stay such as personal circumstances or inability to travel to your country of residence.
• Proof of financial means to remain in Switzerland.
• Proof of secure accommodation.
• Proof of health insurance .

The cantonal authorities only accept these extensions in exceptional circumstances and only for an additional 90 days. If you want to stay in Switzerland more permanently, you need to apply for a residence permit.

Application procedure for Swiss visas

If you are a citizen in one of the nations that is not covered by the EU / EEA, EFTA or Schengen travel arrangements, then you must apply for a visa before travelling to Switzerland.

Where do I apply for a Swiss visa?

You must apply for a visa at the Swiss mission (consulate or embassy) in your country of residence. If Switzerland does not have a mission in your country, then you should visit the next closest one to you. Rules for attendance differ by country but it is a good idea to attend the mission in person.

Make a Swiss visa application appointment

To submit your visa application, you will need to book an appointment. You can do this by accessing the official government portal . You need to bring all of the required supporting documentation to this meeting. If the Swiss mission approves your application, they will stamp a visa into your passport.

It is a good idea to reserve, but not pay for, your travel to Switzerland, until your visa has been confirmed.

Visa application fees

The application fees for travellers to Switzerland varies depending on your nationality and your age. The average cost of applying for a visa is 90 Swiss francs per person. Additional charges may be made if your application can be submitted by  post .

Reduced visa fees for certain nationalities

Certain countries have made accords with Switzerland in order to reduce the cost of applying for a visa from 90 to 43 francs. These countries are  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.

Can I work on a Swiss visa?

You are only able to work on a Swiss visa if you have applied for a Schengen visa for business purposes. If so, you are only able to work in the way that has been described by your employer in your visa application. Otherwise, if you want to work in Switzerland, you need to apply for residency.

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Switzerland Visa Requirements: Your Complete Guide

You would like to travel to Switzerland but you’re not sure if you can do it without a visa? Then you’ve absolutely come to the right place because this detailed guide will tell you all you need to know about the visa requirements for traveling to Switzerland!

The good news is that nationals from most European countries, as well as many countries in Asia and the Americas, can travel to Switzerland without a visa. The country is a member of the Schengen zone, so a visa for Switzerland is valid to 26 other countries in the Schengen as well, meaning you’re in for an epic backpacking trip throughout Europe!

Table of Contents

Who Needs A Visa to Travel to Switzerland?

The list of countries whose nationals need a visa in order to enter Switzerland is quite long:

Switzerland is a member of Schengen and you need a special Swiss Schengen visa to travel to the country. It’s important to note that nationals of certain countries will need a visa even if they are only passing through Switzerland, and those are:

• Western Sahara
• Democratic Republic of the Congo

Generally speaking, nationals of the EU, EEA, and all Schengen countries do not require any sort of visa when transiting or traveling through Switzerland. Nationals of some other countries are also included here, and these are nationals of countries who travel freely through Europe.

Requirements to Obtain A Switzerland Visa

The requirements for a Swiss visa depend on the purpose of the visit, but here’s a list of some basic documents you will need to submit in order for your visa request to be considered:

• A completed Switzerland visa application
• Two passports photographs that are in compliance with the photo requirements for a Swiss visa
• A valid passport
• Proof of medical insurance in Switzerland
• Proof of booked flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient money for your stay (usually you need to have 100 CHF per day)
• Proof of your civil status
• Proof that you paid the Swiss visa fees
• A cover letter explaining the reasons for your trip to Switzerland

Additional Requirements Based on Occupational Status

It is necessary to submit proof of financial status along with your Switzerland visa application and other documents.

If you are employed, you will have to submit the salary slips and salary bank statements for the past three months, statements from your personal bank account for the last three months, and a tax return verification for the last two years.

Those who are self-employed or own a company must submit proof of tax payments for the past two years, a business registration certificate/partnership deed or similar document, and bank statements from the last three months from both personal and business accounts.

Travelers who are retired will have to provide pension bank statements for the last three months as well as proof of regular income (if applicable) from owning a property or business.

Students and unemployed travelers must submit personal bank statements from the past three months of their parents/legal guardians, and proof of tax payment as well as a letter confirming that they are being financially supported.

Additional Requirements Based on Purpose of Visit

There are multiple types of Switzerland visas and you need to apply for a visa according to the purpose of your visit. If you’re traveling for tourism, you need to apply for a tourist visa. If you’re going to Switzerland on a business trip, you must apply for a business visa. Those who want to study in Switzerland must apply for a student visa (for stays up to 90 days) or for a national visa (for stays longer than 90 days).

Nationals of some countries must also apply for an airport transit visa if they have a layover or a stopover in Switzerland. And if you’re applying for a work or residence permit, the requirements are entirely different.

Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you might be required to submit additional documentation, in addition to a standard Switzerland application form for a visa.

When applying for a business visa, you will be required to submit proof of financial status, an introduction letter from your employer, and an invitation letter from your Swiss business partner. Proof of accommodation is not required with a business visa.

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Those who are applying for a (short-term stay) student visa must submit proof of their academic degree including a Curriculum Vitae, as well as proof that a Swiss school or university has accepted them, and that they’ve paid the enrollment fees, and a personal cover letter explaining their reasons for pursuing studies in Switzerland.

If you’re applying for a national student visa (for stays longer than 90 days), you have to submit multiple copies of the visa application forms, CV, and photographs. Proof of flight, accommodation, and travel insurance are not required in this case.

One thing I want to point out is that the necessary documentation can depend on your nationality, so it’s best to double-check all the requirements on the official website of the Swiss Federal Council .

Additional Requirements for Minors

Most of the documentation necessary for a Swiss visa application is the same for minors and adults, with a few exceptions. Students who are at least 16 years old will need to submit a copy of the student ID plus an introduction letter from their school or university.

Children who are under 18 and traveling alone must have a letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardians, and certified by a public notary, as well as copies of both parents’ passports.

Kids under the age of 18 but traveling with one parent or legal guardian must have a letter of consent from the other, a non-traveling parent or guardian (signed and notarized), plus copies of passports of both parents or legal guardians.

Where to Apply for A Switzerland Visa?

You can apply for a Switzerland Visa at the Swiss embassy in the country whose resident/national you are. If there is no Swiss embassy in your country, you need to find out which embassy of Switzerland is tasked with dealing with nationals from your country. It might not be the one that’s closest to you, depending on any agreements the embassies may have in place.

You can find out the details for residents of your country on the official website of the Swiss Federal Council. Just select your country from the drop-down menu, and you can see the location of the Swiss embassy where you can submit your visa application, the cost of a Switzerland/Schengen visa, and any other requirements that might be in place for nationals of your country.

How Much Does A Switzerland Visa Cost?

The cost of a visa for Switzerland depends on a few factors, most notably the age of the applicant and their nationality. The visa costs are lower for nationals of certain countries, and it’s generally cheaper for children to get a visa for Switzerland.

The average costs of a Switzerland (Schengen) visa are:

• Adults (12 years and older) – 80 Euros
• Children (6-11 years) – 40 Euros
• Children (under 6 years) – no cost
• Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kosovo – 35 Euros
• Nationals from Gambia – 120 Euros

These are the average costs for tourist Schengen visas, and it’s important to note that there’s a different pricing structure for other types of visas. Also, certain people are exempt from having to pay the Schengen visa fees:

• Scientists and researchers traveling for research purposes
• Family members of EU/EEA nationals
• Holders of official, service, or diplomatic passports
• Students who are traveling with teachers on school trips

It is possible that you will end up paying additional charges of 30-40 Euros. Also, it’s important to note that the visa fees are non-refundable, even if you end up being denied entry to the Schengen zone.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Swiss Visa?

Applications for a Swiss Schengen visa are usually processed within the first 15 days. The process can sometimes take longer, so it’s recommended to submit your request for a visa a few months before your planned trip. You can submit a visa application 6 months earlier at most, but it’s generally not necessary to plan that far in advance.

In fact, visa applications often get processed even quicker, sometimes within the first 7 days. But it’s important to keep in mind that this depends on the nationality of the traveler because some Schengen countries reserve the right to be consulted when nationals of certain countries are applying. Also, it depends on the season, since there are generally more visa applications during the most popular travel times and fewer in the off-season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of visas available for switzerland.

There are four main types of visas that are available for Switzerland: the Swiss airport transit visa, the Swiss tourist visa, the Swiss student visa, and the Schengen visa for medical, cultural, or business purposes. Those are all visas for short stays of up to 90 days. It is necessary to apply for a national Switzerland visa for stays longer than 90 days.

Can I extend my visa while in Switzerland?

While it’s recommended you apply for the right visa before your trip, it is possible to extend your short-stay Schengen visa while you’re in Switzerland. But it’s not easy and it will take a very strong reason for your extension of visa application if you want to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days. Most tourist visa extensions get rejected, so keep that in mind and try to keep your stay in the Schengen zone under 90 days. 

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with my Swiss visa?

Yes because Switzerland is part of the Schengen zone, so a valid visa for Switzerland is the same as a visa for Schengen. Foreign nationals in possession of s short-term stay Schengen visa can travel to any Schengen country, as long as their total amount of travel time in the Schengen area doesn’t exceed 90 days in a six-month period. 

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Who Needs to Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

• Europe Visas
• Switzerland Visa
• Switzerland visitor visa Requirements, Who Needs a Switzerland visitor visa?

Switzerland with hundreds of villages and lakes and the high peaks of the Alps is one of the most visited countries in Europe. There are numerous like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and many more. Its hiking trails and ski resorts? The best in the world. From chocolate and castles to scenic train rides, there are endless opportunities for tourists. If you are thinking about it for your next holiday, you might need a  Switzerland Tourist Visa. In this blog, we will cover all about Switzerland Tourist Visa, requirements, application process, fees, a few FAQs, etc.

Table of Contents

What is a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

A Switzerland tourist visa comes under the Switzerland short-stay visa category. As the name implies, it is for tourists who want to visit the country or people who want to visit friends and family. It also gets called Switzerland Schengen visa. When you have a Switzerland Tourist Visa, you can visit all the other Schengen countries.

Video script 

The list of countries that need a Switzerland tourist visa 

Online visa system for the Federal Department of Justice and Police website 

Paper application form 

Some countries can enter Switzerland without a visa. Some countries and states are also visa-free for Switzerland. But many more need to apply for a Switzerland visa. The citizens of the EU/EEA, Schengen countries, the US are some examples. You can visit this blog to know if you need a visa to Switzerland or not.

What are the Required Documents for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

Once you figured out that you need a visa to enter Switzerland, you should prepare the requirements to apply for a visa. The Required documents for a Switzerland Tourist Visa are as follows:

• Tourist/ Visitor Visa application form. You should complete it with correct and honest details. Then print, sign, and date it.
• Two photos.
• Valid passport. It must be valid for three months after the date you will leave Switzerland. It must have been issued in the past ten years, not later than that. You need to provide a copy of the previous passports (if applicable)
• Medical insurance. It must cover your emergency expenses for €30.00 across all Schengen countries.
• Cover letter. It is from you to the Swiss authorities to prove the purpose of your visit is tourism.
• Proof of civil status.
• Proof to have enough funds. You must have at least €92.34 for each day of your stay in Switzerland.
• Proof of paid fees.
• A receipt of a booked hotel. It must show the name of the hotel, its address, phone, and email.
• Rental contract.
• Invitation letter. In case you stay with a hots, you should provide his /her name, contact details.
• A copy of the travel itinerary.
• In case of traveling with a travel agency, provide a reservation document with it. In some cases, the officials require a letter from the tour organizer.

You have to provide a few documents based on your job status. You can check them in this blog.

In case you want to visit friend/relatives, you have to provide:

• It will state that he/she has invited you, and you will stay with them.
• It must contain your relationship with your relative/friend and the full dates of your stay.
• The host has to provide his/her passport, address, and contact details.
• Proof of family connection. If your host is one of your family members, he/she has to provide the proof of that. It could be a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
• Proof to have somewhere to stay. In case will stay with your host, he/she must say this in the invitation letter.
• Your host’s financial capability. If your host covers your expenses, he must prove to have the ability to do so.

If employed

• Permission leave.
• Last three months pay slip

If self-employed

• The license of Business Registration, GST certificate
• The bank statements of the company for the latest three months.
• The Income Tax Returns of the company for the past three months.
• Prove to receive a pension.
• In case you got retired from a private company, the bank statements for the latest six months.
• Permission leave from School, College, Institute
• Bonfire certificates

Please remember the Swiss authorities might ask for more documents.

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Eligibility for Switzerland Tourist Visa

You have to fulfill the eligibility criteria to be able to travel to Switzerland:

• Be a real traveler.
• Be able to cover your expenses.
• Have a good character.
• Enjoy good health.
• Have an authentic trip purpose.

Application Process for a Switzerland Tourist Visa

The application process for almost all Switzerland visas is the same. Here are the procedures you have to follow:

• Complete, print, date, and sign the application form.
• Gather the required documents.
• Reserve an interview with the Swiss embassy, consulate, or a visa center.
• Take part in the interview, submit the application along with the required documents. Please remember you have to attend the interview in person.
• Pay the Switzerland tourist visa fees.
• Wait for processing.

The application process has a few details that you need to be careful about. Please remember that in applying for every visa, even one unwanted mistake could lead to a visa denial. You can learn more about Switzerland’s application process on this blog.

Where Can You Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa?

Depending on what the country you are living in, you could apply at:

• Swiss embassy/consulate in your home country
• A visa center authorized by the Swiss government in your home country.
• Swiss embassy/consulate or a visa center in a neighboring country.

Switzerland Tourist Visa Validity

All types of short-stay Schengen visas are valid for up to 90 days in a six month (180 days) period. The Switzerland tourist visa is no exception. But how many times you can enter Switzerland depends on the type of visa you receive. You could get:

• Single-entry. You may only enter Switzerland one time.
• Double-entry. You can only enter Switzerland twice.
• Multiple-entry. You have the right to enter Switzerland as many times as you want in six months.

Processing Time for Switzerland Tourist Visa

It often takes two weeks for a Switzerland Tourist Visa to get processed. Yet, depending on your special case, and the Swiss embassy workload, it might take up to two months.

Can You Extend Switzerland Tourist Visa?

You can only extend Switzerland Tourist Visa in the country on force majeure or emergencies. You must have a compelling reason to convince the Swiss authorities that you need to stay in the country. Otherwise, you have to leave the country. In case you need to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you should apply for another type of visa.

Can You Apply for a Permanent Residence with a Switzerland Tourist Visa

No. You have to apply for a Permanent Residence from your home country.

Do You Have to Buy Health Insurance for Switzerland Tourist Visa

Yes. You have to buy health insurance to cover your medical expenses all across the Schengen Area. It must cover your expenses for 30.000 EUR.

Do you need a transit visa if you have a tourist visa?

No. When you have a Switzerland tourist visa or a tourist visa from any EU members or Schengen Area members, you do not need a transit visa to cross the region.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all you need to know about Switzerland Tourist Visa.

The required documents, the application process, common questions about Switzerland Tourist Visa got covered.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. You can find all the Switzerland types of visas at the left sidebar.

You can check the Visa Library to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

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• August 25, 2020

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Entering Switzerland

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The regulations on entering Switzerland depend on your nationality, how long you want to stay in Switzerland and why. In general, a distinction is made between persons from EU/EFTA states and those from third countries. The regulations also depend on whether you want to work in Switzerland .

Do I require a visa?

If you are a citizen of an EU or EFTA state, you do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. If you are a citizen of a non-EU or EFTA state, please check the overview of ID and visa provisions to see if you require a visa. If you have a visa of category C or D of another Schengen member state, this visa is also valid for Switzerland during its period of validity.

Where and how can I apply for a visa?

In certain cases you can apply for a visa online. You can find out whether this is possible in our   online visa system . If you cannot apply for a visa online, you can submit a visa application at a Swiss embassy or consulate .

There are two different application forms. If you want to stay in Switzerland for less than 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen visa . For long-term stays, you must apply for a  national type D visa .

Do I need an ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new European travel authorisation system similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ESTA in the USA. Visa-exempt third-country nationals who wish to enter the Schengen area will be required to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation before starting their journey to the Schengen area. This will cost 7 euros and will generally be valid for 3 years.

The introduction of ETIAS is determined by the EU timetable and is planned for the first half of 2025. ETIAS is not yet in operation and no applications are collected at this point. Further information can be found on the official ETIAS official ETIAS website of the EU.

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Visa & entry to Switzerland

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Information on requirements to enter Switzerland and to take residence, procedure to submit an entry visa application, visa application form and fees

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List of information sources and contact points with regard to entering Switzerland and residency

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What you need to know about working, studying and living in Switzerland as a foreigner

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Switzerland's strength as one of the most successful global business locations

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UK to expand digital travel to more visitors

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

The government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

Today we are confirming that from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.  

From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on GOV.UK . Anyone needing to apply for an ETA will be able to do so through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year. The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.

The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa .

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

Creating the account enables people to use online services to prove their rights and manage their data, such as their personal details and passport information, and won’t impact their underlying immigration status. Through government funding, extra support is being provided for vulnerable people who need to take action to move from physical documents to an eVisa.

The government continues to work closely with global airline, maritime and rail carriers, who are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of our digitisation programme.

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