General Information

As from 12 December 2008, Switzerland is a member state of the Schengen Agreement which came into effect on 26 March 1995. The current members of the agreement ("Schengen States") are:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

In order to visit one or more of the above-mentioned states you have to obtain a so-called “Schengen visa”. This visa is generally valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six months period for tourism, visit or business – but not for employment purposes.

Where to apply for a Schengen Visa

• If you want to visit only one Schengen state, you have to apply at the Embassy of that state. 
• If you want to visit two or more Schengen states, please apply at the Embassy of the country which is your main destination - defined a) by the main purpose of journey respectively b) the longest length of stay.
• If you intend to visit two or more Schengen states but you have no main destination, you need to apply for your visa at the Embassy of the country, which you intend to visit first.

How to apply for a Short Stay Schengen Visa

Please refer to the website of the Federal Office for Migration (see link on the right side of your screen) to check whether you require a visa for Switzerland. Be aware that your entry may still be refused at the Swiss border if you do not meet all other admission requirements. A visa is just ONE of the requirements for admission into Switzerland.

You have to be resident in Venezuela, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname or Trinidad & Tobago. All applications must be made in person for residents in Venezuela. Postal applications can be accepted from residents living in the islands, Guyana and Suriname.
Be sure that the application is fully filled out and signed and that the required documents mentioned in the information sheet are duly enclosed. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.

The visa application form can be downloaded from the below mentioned link. Under the download part you will find the mandatory requirements for a “Short Stay Schengen Business, Visit ,Tourism, Event and Medical Treatment visa” where all the documents are mentioned which have to be submitted with the visa application form.

You will also find the different kinds of requirements in order to apply for a national visa (stay over 90 days in Switzerland) such as: work visa, student visa, school exchange visa, family reunification visa, residence visa after getting married in Switzerland)

Please note that all documents will have to be submitted in both originals and photocopies.

Processing Time

In general processing may take up to 10 working days depending on each individual case. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you lodge your application well in advance, i.e. at least 3 weeks before the planned journey.

Please be advised that in certain cases the processing of applications may take longer (egg. National visas). For more detailed information please contact the Embassy.

Visa handling fee

The general visa handling fee is EUR 60.00. It is due upon application and is not refundable. The visa fee is payable in cash in Bolivares Fuertes at the exchange rate of the day for residents in Venezuela and is payable by check/bankdraft in USD in the name of “Embajada de Suiza” for residents of the islands, Suriname and Guyana.

If you are married to an EU/EFTA citizen or one or both of your parents (if you are minor of age) are EU/EFTA citizens, the visa is free of charge. Please also provide the Embassy also with your marriage- or birth certificate and your spouse's passport or your parent(s) passport(s) as proof. Please check the requirements with the Embassy before sending the application.

If you hold an official passport (e.g. diplomatic-, service or special passport, UN-Laissez-Passer), or you have to visit an international organization in Switzerland on an official mission, the visa is free of charge. Please provide the Embassy with the verbal note of your Embassy / Foreign Ministry / International organization. Please check the requirements with the Embassy before sending the application.

If you wish to have your passport returned to you by post you must supply the Embassy with a self-addressed envelope which will be mailed by DOMESA, MRW or FEDEX (note that the Embassy will charge extra costs for mailing fees).

Important information

The Embassy can ask for additional documents as applications are dealt with on a case to case basis and the information leaflets cannot cover all eventualities. A visa cannot be issued unless all required documentation is provided.

Please note that the acceptance/processing of your application does not guarantee that your visa will be approved and issued. There is no legal right to a visa.

Holders of Schengen visas are still subject to immigration controls and are not guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries.

False statements or attempts to provide the Embassy with fraudulent documents result in the rejection of the visa application, i.e. the visa will not be issued. You may also be liable to prosecution under the law of the Schengen States!

Please check on the status of your visa application by phone or e-mail on or after the date given upon application, before buying your ticket and making any financial commitments. The Embassy is not liable for any expenses incurred by the applicants!

Please note that changes to your travel itinerary and/or accommodation after submission of your application are not possible. In such an event a new application (incl. fee) has to be made.

It is advisable to bring copies of the submitted documentation in your hand-luggage as immigration authorities at the border might request to examine information regarding your stay in the Schengen territory.

Be sure to bring your travel health insurance police which has to cover the whole period of your stay covering a minimum of 30.000 Euros for medical costs and repatriation.

Opening hours

The Embassy of Switzerland is

• open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 12:00 am.
• closed on weekends as well as on Venezuelan and Swiss public holidays. 

Current visa fees

Short stay visa: USD 82.00  (for children between 6 and 12 years old: USD 48.00)
National visa: USD 92.00 (for children between 6 and 12 years old: USD 58.00)
Children minor of 6 years and spouses/children of an EU/EFTA citizen are waived from the visa fee.

Shipment fee for returning the passport : USD 65.00.

Please be informed that the fees must be paid by a bank draft/check issued at the name of "EMBAJADA DE SUIZA".