(V) Third state members in possession of both a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa and a recognized travel document are exempt from visa requirements.
(V1) Obligation to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation: • in the primary or secondary construction industry and civil engineering, catering and hotel services, industrial and private cleaners, surveillance and security services, and erotic services; • gainful occupation of any another kind, if such occupation exceeds 8 days within a calendar year. Exemption to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation: • Holders of a longterm residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa, provided they also hold a recognized travel document.
(M: D, S) Holders of a diplomatic or service passport are exempt from visa requirements if they wish to enter into Switzerland: on an official mission or for other travel purposes without exercising a gainful occupation.
(M: D, S, OP) Holders of a diplomatic, service or an official passport are exempt from visa requirements if they wish to enter into Switzerland: on an official mission or for other travel purposes without exercising a gainful occupation.
Do I need a Schengen visa?
| My nationality | Obligation to hold a visa (yes/no) |
|---|---|
| South Africa | yes (V) (M: D, S, OP) |
| Angola | yes (V) (M: D, S) |
| Botswana | yes (V) (M: D, OP) |
| Lesotho | yes (V) |
| Malawi | yes (V) |
| Mauritius | no (V1) |
| Mozambique | yes (V) |
| Namibia | yes (V) (M: D, S, OP) |
| Eswatini | yes (V) |
| Zambia | yes (V) |
| Zimbabwe | yes (V) |
As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended. We advise to apply for your visa at least two months before the planned departure.
Please note that NO visa information is given by phone. If your question isn't answered on this website, please contact VFS GLOBAL or send an email.
Other nationalities
For other nationalities, please refer to the list on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
SEM – Overview of ID and visa provisions according to the nationality (Annex 1, List 1: nationality)
If you are obliged to hold a visa, please apply for it and refer to the information on the webpage:
Where to apply for a Schengen visa?
If you are not obliged to hold a visa, you are allowed to enter Switzerland resp. the Schengen territory and stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any visa.
