SEM – Visa Application Form

Visa Types

Purpose of the different visa types

Business Visa (PDF, 1 Page, 138.2 kB)

For people invited for business reasons by a company based in Switzerland.

Caretaker / Caregiver Visa (PDF, 1 Page, 143.4 kB)

For caretakers travelling with their employer to Switzerland during their holidays. 

Tourist Visa (PDF, 2 Pages, 139.4 kB)

For people travelling with the purpose of tourism, staying at a hotel or in a rented flat.

Transit Visa (PDF, 1 Page, 135.0 kB)

For people transiting through Switzerland without leaving the airport transit zone. 

Visitor Visa (PDF, 2 Pages, 141.6 kB)

For people who wish to visit relatives or friends, staying in their homes. 

International Organizations / Foreign diplomats / Officials
are invited to contact this Embassy.

Photo Requirements

Please note that your photos have to meet Schengen requirements:

Photograph Guidelines (PDF, Number of pages 3, 473.0 kB, English) (PDF, 3 Pages, 473.0 kB, English)

SEM – Number 8 (For hosts in Switzerland) of FAQ – Frequently asked questions

SEM – Factsheet on letter of invitation

SEM – Information on Declaration of Sponsorship

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – MRTD Photo Guidelines

As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended.

Some Schengen States require that they be consulted on visa applications submitted to other Schengen States by citizens of certain countries. The consultation process may take up to 14 calendar days. Such consultation is currently required for nationals of the countries listed here:

List of countries

It is therefore recommended to submit the visa application early, at the earliest 6 months before the planned journey.  

The reasons for refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form.

You have the right to appeal within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. For information on appeal procedures, please refer to the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration.

SEM

Biometric data (fingerprints) are generally collected every 59 months from the age of 12 years from the first recording.  

If you are a family member of a Swiss, European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen, you are entitled to submit your application directly at the responsible Embassy or Consulate of Switzerland. An appointment is mandatory and must be booked in advance.

Citizens of the EU and the EFTA and their family members

If you wish to complain about the behavior of the consular staff and, if applicable, about the external service provider or about the process, please contact the competent representation in writing.