On 11 October 2011 the Schengen member states introduced the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS will also be used to store the biometric data (10 fingerprints and the facial image) of the visa applicants. The diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states will be gradually connected to the system region by region.

Along with the connection to the VIS on 02.10.2012 all diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states in Saudi Arabia have to capture the biometric data of persons applying for a Schengen visa.

Please note that applicants residing in Yemen can no longer apply via courrier but have to present themselves in person at the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh.

An information leaflet of the European Union relating to the introduction of the VIS and the capture of biometric data can be found on the website ( European Commission). For further information, refer to VIS information leaflet under visa requirements.

Embassy of Switzerland
Diplomatic quarter
Riyadh 11693
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Postal address
Embassy of Switzerland
P.O. Box 94311
Riyadh 11693
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel.: +966 11 488 1291
Fax: +966 11 488 0632

Calling from Switzerland:
Tel.: +41 (0)31 322 18 96
Fax: +41 (0)31 322 18 99

For visa appointments, please call
Tel.: +966 11 488 12 91 ext 221

Office hours 
Saturday–Wednesday: 08:00–11:00
Thursday–Friday: closed (week-end in KSA)

For non-visa related matters, appointments after the regular office hours can be arranged in advance.

Consular district
Northern Borders Province, Hail, Qasim, Riyadh, Eastern Province, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Yemen