Visa applicants will be received by appointment only.

Due to the high demand, it is strongly recommended to arrange the appointment on a timely manner at least 45 days prior to your departure. Once an application is submitted, the processing time can last between 4 days and 4 weeks depending on the application.

Please note that if the visa applications are not submitted on a timely manner, delay in travel plans may incur. 

Online visa application process ( free of charge )

In order to start the online visa application process, please visit the web-site www.swiss-visa.ch and fill out an online application form with your personal information as well as the information pertaining to your upcoming trip.

At the end of the process, please open the PDF format document and print, date and sign your application. Then press “send” in order for the application to become active.

After filling out the application online, an automatic generated e-mail with a link will be sent to the e-mail address you provided.

Please click on the link and select an available appointment at your convenience

The day of your appointment, please submit the printed application form along with your passport, 2 passport pictures, Schengen visa fees  and the required supporting documents as per the list of requirements.

Family and group applications are also possible however each applicant has to have an individual appointment.

SEM – Visa Application Form

Requirements for a Schengen visa application for up to 90 days (PDF, 3 Pages, 218.4 kB, English)

As of January 1, 2011, and February 1, 2014, the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania represents the Republic of Slovenia and Slovakia respectively for the issuance of Schengen visas. Please note that the same general visa rules, requirements, application forms and instructions as for Switzerland will apply. Please submit supporting documents in English.

No letter of guarantee can be accepted for applicants travelling to Slovakia

A letter of guarantee can be accepted for applicants travelling to Slovenia (Garantno Pismo)  

The Embassy of Switzerland is not authorized to issue Long term Visas for these countries. Applications for such visas will have to be processed by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Egypt and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovakia in Nairobi respectively.

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia 
21 Soliman Abaza St.
6th Floor, Mohandessin
Cairo, Egypt
 
Email:   sloembassy.cairo@gov.si  
Tel.:     +202 3749 81 71
Fax:     +202 3749 71 41

Web

Embassy of the Republic of Slovakia 
Milimani Road, opposite Heron Portico Hotel P.O.Box 30204
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Email:   emb.nairobi@mzv.sk  
Tel.:     +254 202721896 / +254 202721898
Fax:     +254 202717291

Web

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.