Visa and entry regulations

Please note that as from 12.12.2008 Switzerland has joined the Schengen agreement. As of this date Schengen regulations will apply for all travellers. Holders of valid Schengen visas will be allowed to enter Switzerland.

Israeli citizens holding a valid Israeli national passport are exempted from the obligation of obtaining a visa as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days. This rule applies only for stays in Switzerland/Schengen States with the purpose of tourism, visits, business consultations, medical treatments, participation in scientific, economic, cultural, religious or sporting events, and for foreign media on a temporary assignment.

In case of travelling for any other purpose, such as work or studies, other regulations apply. For further information please contact the Visa section at the Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Other nationals, who are legally residing in Israel, may be required to apply for an entry visa to Switzerland. For further information please consult the website of the Federal Office for Migration.

 Informations for entry to Switzerland

For entering Switzerland, you are required to present a recognized travellers document, which is valid for at least three months after the expiry date of the visa.

Visa application for short-term stays
Common Schengen visas are issued for a short-term stay in the following categories:
„A“ – airport
„B“ – transit
„C“ – short-term (up to 90 days)

File an application for a common Schengen visa at the Embassy of Switzerland, if: 
- Switzerland is the only or the main destination;
- your stay in Switzerland will be the longest compared to other stays in Schengen, provided there are more destinations of equal importance;
- Switzerland is the state of entry into Schengen, provided there are more destinations of equal importance and equal length of stay.

There is a non-refundable fee of 60 €. The fee is collected in shekels, subject to exchange rate, and in cash. No additional fees will be charged.

The application must be filed in person, completely filled out and signed, and equipped with recent colour photograph showing face (frontal view) and shoulders against a light background. Passport must be valid for an additional three months after the intended departure. If Israeli visa is required, it must be valid for at least 60 days after return. Submit also the following documents – in originals with authorization (name and signature of the issuing person and stamp of the issuing organization):

- evidence of purpose of travel (officially verified invitation, formal invitation from a business partner, business trip confirmation by an employer, declaration of host/family/friend, etc.)
- evidence of readiness to return to your home/residence country (letter from employer/school/university, company registration, evidence of property, etc.) 
- flight reservation (proof of payment must be presented in case of visa approval);
- accommodation reservation (hotel voucher, declaration, etc.; proof of payment must be presented in case of visa approval); 
- proof of means of support (recent bank statements, international credit card, cash, traveller’s cheques, proof of employment, salary statements for the last three months);
- international travel health insurance for minimum coverage of 30,000 € covering emergency medical treatment and return medical flight and valid for the entire period of stay and for all Schengen states (only in case of visa approval).

Please note:
Applications short of any of the necessary documents will not be processed.
Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.


Opening hours for visas: Monday through Friday, from 09.00 to 11.00