Print page

Application for Schengen visa and procedure

Entry visa for earthquake victims (valid only for Switzerland)

Information on the entry visa (valid for Switzerland only) for earthquake survivors who have lost their homes in the earthquake and wish to stay with family members in Switzerland for a limited period of time

Switzerland is temporarily prioritizing visa applications from earthquake victims whose houses or apartments have been destroyed by the earthquakes.

Important information and requirements to be met to qualify for such a visitor visa:

  • Applicants must be from the earthquake area and have lost their homes.
  • They must present a valid, recognised passport.
  • Only the following family members in the ascending or descending line or the spouse of a person with right of residence in Switzerland (i.e. Swiss citizen or person with a valid residence permit B or settlement permit C, not accepted are F, L or N permits) are eligible to apply:
    • grandparents
    • parents
    • minor and adult children
    • minor grandchildren
  • The family members living in Switzerland (Swiss citizen or person with a valid residence or settlement permit) must issue a letter of invitation, which requires them to accommodate the applicants for the entire duration of their stay.
  • Only persons who meet all the above requirements are eligible to apply for a visitor visa for earthquake survivors.

Applicants should contact VFS Global using the following link to make an appointment for submitting a visa application:

visa.vfsglobal.com

Attached you will find the leaflet with all the necessary documents that must be submitted with the visa application.

Information sheet on Schengen Visa C (valid for Switzerland only): Family visits for earthquake survivors (PDF, 2 Pages, 259.6 kB, English)

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 seven 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 Economic Area (EEA) 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.

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.

Start of page
Last update 03.03.2023