NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Switzerland Visa Guide

Bask in the glory of the Alpine sun and enjoy the magnificent views of the Alps in Switzerland. This Central European paradise is the perfect destination for a peaceful getaway with plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports. If Switzerland is on your travel list, you can read more about its visa process in this article and prepare for your trip seamlessly.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Switzerland?

Switzerland is not an EU member state even though it takes part in the Schengen area, a free travel area established by most EU member states in which freedom of movement is granted. You can check online to make sure whether you will need a visa to visit Switzerland.

Did you book a flight to Switzerland?

In Switzerland Consulate visa applications, showing a flight ticket to the country can help the application to be concluded positively. Although flight or hotel tickets are not mandatory, if you have a travel plan, making a reservation can facilitate your visa procedures. For this reason, you can also benefit from early booking advantages by booking a flight ticket to Switzerland in advance in accordance with your travel date. Thanks to our extensive destination list, you can travel to Zurich, Geneva, and Basel with the comfort of Pegasus Airlines.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Zurich Travel Guide

Geneva Travel Guide

Basel Travel Guide

Switzerland Visa Types

Different visa types for visits to Switzerland can be broadly categorised under short-term and long-term stays. They can be issued as single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visas for visits up to 90 days in periods of 180 days. Single-entry visa grants one-time entrance whereas double-entry visa holders may travel twice in designated timeframe and multiple-entry visa allows for consecutive visits to Switzerland. You can benefit from the online visa system to proceed with your applications for tourist, business, or visit visas for short term stays.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa, also known as Category C visa or short-stay visa, allows its holder to move freely within the Schengen area for a short period.

The Schengen area comprises of 29 European countries, namely the Schengen States, among which border controls are abolished. Therefore, passengers who wish to travel to one of the member countries for business-related or touristic visits are obliged to obtain Schengen visa for their stays up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. The complete list of Schengen States include:

• Austria,
• Belgium,
• Bulgaria,
• Croatia,
• Czechia,
• Denmark,
• Estonia,
• Finland,
• France,
• Germany,
• Greece,
• Hungary,
• Iceland,
• Italy,
• Latvia,
• Liechtenstein,
• Lithuania,
• Luxembourg,
• Malta,
• The Netherlands,
• Norway,
• Poland,
• Portugal,
• Romania,
• Slovakia,
• Slovenia,
• Spain,
• Sweden,
•  

Switzerland Schengen Visa (Category C visa- For Short Stay Visits)

This visa type allows its holder to travel to Switzerland and stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. Tourism, family visits, business trips, attending cultural, sports, or religious events, and visits for medical treatment purposes are some of the common reasons for applying for a short-stay Schengen visa.

It should be noted that this visa does not permit the visa-holder to participate in gainful activities. Therefore, if you’re planning to work during your stay, you must apply for a work permit.

Switzerland National Visa (Category D visa- For Long Stay Visits)

Switzerland National Visa allows its holder to travel to and stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days. The visa issue is subject to authorisation from the cantonal migration authority. This visa also has various forms granted for study, employment, job seeking, family reunion, research, freelancing, taking a language course, and internship purposes.

General Requirements to Apply for Switzerland Visa

Tourist visa application requirements for Switzerland under certain categories are explained below. In general, applicants must submit their applications that include the requested documents. Applications shall be made to the Diplomatic Missions or authorized visa application centres in applicant’s country of residence. Visa application documents and the procedures may differ depending on the applicant's country of residence and category of visa.

NOTE: All information in this article should be confirmed through the official website of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Justice and Police. Please use the information presented here as a brief summary of the general requirements. Visit the official website for visa requirement and select your country to see country-specific information.

Switzerland Visa Applications

1. A passport with at minimum two blank pages and is valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous Schengen visas if obtained.
2. Completed and signed visa application form along with one colour biometric photo that is not older than 6 months.
3. Proof of travel with confirmed both-way tickets.
4. Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund their travel.
5. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration, or demonstration of pension funds.
6. Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of your hotel reservation throughout your stay.
7. Documentation of travel health insurance that will cover up to 30.000 euros throughout the period of travel and is valid within the entire Schengen area.

There are specific documents to enclose your application depending on your employment status.

Employed:

• Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary)
• Bank account statement of the past 6 months
• Approval letter of leave from employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

Self-employed:

• Proof of business license (company registration)
• Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

Student:

• Documentation of University enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school management

Retired:

• Pension statement documenting the past 6 months

Unemployed:

• Proof of financial resources is nevertheless required
• If the person is not able to finance his/her own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.

What is Visa Sponsorship for Switzerland?

Students or unemployed/retired people who are not in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will borne the full costs. Otherwise, your sponsor, who must be a first-grade relative, will have to prove the sufficient resources through meeting certain requirements, such as filling out the sponsorship form and submitting the requested documents. You can check our website for detailed information about visa sponsorship.

Switzerland Visa Rules

• Visitors are asked to prove adequate amount of financial assets that will cover their needs during their stay in Switzerland and it shall be equal to at least 100 CHF per day.
• Your passport must have at least two blank pages left, and it shouldn’t be older than 10 years.

Switzerland Visa Requirements

In addition to the above-mentioned application documents, general requirements include:

Switzerland Visa requirements for Non-Europeans

The general requirements for non-Europeans depend on the bilateral agreements between nations. Citizens of some non-EU countries can travel to Switzerland visa-free for their short-stay visits. If you need a visa, however, you can collect the above-mentioned documents and apply for the visa at the nearest visa application centre.

Switzerland visa for European countries

Citizens of European countries can benefit from visa-free travel opportunities within the borders of the European Union.

Switzerland Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada are not obliged to get a visa to travel to Schengen countries for stays up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Switzerland Visa Fees

You can find below fixed visa fees for various visa categories, which are determined as of December 2024. Generally, the visa fees cover the consultation, submission, and processing of your application.