Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain types of visa, depending on the purpose of the intended stay in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Important information about visa

As from 1st December 2017, Kenyan Passport holders are subjected to a consultation procedure between the Schengen States.

The minimum time for processing Schengen applications will therefore rises to 10 working days.

Important information notice from Schengen Member States

According to Article 12 (a) of the Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009, commonly known as "Visa Code", the validity of a travel document shall extend at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Territory of the Schengen Member State. According to an official notification from the Kenyan authorities issued to all diplomatic missions, all Kenyan passports – except the new East African Community biometric e-Passport – will be rendered invalid from 1 March 2020. The Schengen Member States therefore wish to inform the Kenyan public that from 1 December 2019 only the new East African Community biometric e-Passport can be accepted for Schengen visa applications.