Going to Switzerland for leisure or visiting family or frineds and need to know the latest Swiss tourist visa requirements, Swiss tourist visa processing time or need to make a Switzerland visa appointment? Browse this Switzerland visa website to learn more.
Switzerland Visa Types
There are several types of Swiss visas available and the visa type for Switzerland you need to apply depends on the purpose of your trip to Switzerland.
Finding out what type of Switzerland visa you need to apply for is actually a pretty easy process. You can apply for Swiss visa if you are traveling for one of the following purposes:
- Swiss Tourist Visa - Switzerland visa is issued to foreigners that wish to visit Switzerland, for a shorter period like 30 days within a 3-month period
- Swiss Visitor Visa - Make it possible for non-Swiss family members and friends that live outside of Switzerland to come to Switzerland and meet their parents, children, spouse or friends.
- Swiss Business Visa - To participate in business related activities including attending or conducting meetings or conferences or training, installing equipment or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate or branch office in Switzerland.
- Swiss Transit Visa - To transit through the airport or port in Switzerland
Other Swiss Visa Types
There are other types of Swiss visas available for non-Swiss citizens to apply:
- Student Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Permantent Resident Visa
- Work Visa
- Official Visit Visa
- Cultural, Film Crew & Sports Visa
- Merchant Seaman Visa
Swiss Entry Visa Types
Single Entry visa for Switzerland: A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter Switzerland only once, within the given period of time, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits the territory of Switzerland or visa region associated with Switzerland, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spend in Switzerland the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa.
Double Entry visa for Switzerland: In general, a double-entry visa applies the same way as the single-entry visa explained above. The sole difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the second gives you the chance to go once more back to Switzerland
Multiple Entry visa for Switzerland: This type of visa allows the holder of the visa to enter Switzerland mutiple times with visa validity period.
Steps to Applying for Swiss visa To apply for a Swiss visa follow the steps given below:
- Check if you need to apply for a Swiss Visa.
- Know when is the right time to apply!
- Figure out what type of Swiss visa you need.
- Find out where you should lodge your application.
- Fill in the right Swiss visa form.
- Collect the documents required for Swiss visa.
- Make a visa appointment.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee.
Please Note: Please consult Swiss embassy in your country as visa regulations for Switzerland can and often change overnight. In individual cases, additional documents required for Swiss visa. We accept no responsibility as we have no affiliation with the embassy of Switzerland or their visa section.
Going for a visa interview at the embassy? The visa officer at the Swiss consulate will look over your application and ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything. It is best to answer these questions honestly.
Typical questions asked at the Switzerland visa interview include:
- What is your purpose of your trip to Switzerland?
- Do you know anyone living in Switzerland?
- What is your current occupation?
- How long have you been in your current occupation?
- If you are a student, when will the studies finsh?
- How will you suuport yourself whilst in Switzerland?
- Have you ever travelled to other countries?
- Who will pay for your trip to Switzerland?
- What are your plans when you return from your trip?
- What will you do if your visa application is rejected?
- What is your marital status?
- Will you be involved in business in Switzerland?
Common reasons why your Swiss visa application got rejected include:
- Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip Switzerland and you must provide documents to show that you can.
- Proof of accommodation not provided – you must be able to show where you will be staying in Switzerland and you can easily do this by providing a hotel reservation in Switzerland.
- The visa officer thinks you will not return to your home country – you must make it clear that you intend to leave Switzerland and return to your home country before the expiry of your visa. You can do this by providing documents that show you have ties where you live, such as an employment letter or proof that you own your home etc.
- No proof of residence – you must be able to prove that you can live in the country of your residence legally, so you must provide proof of residence.