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.

Refusal of a visa and appeal

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.

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Biometric data acquisition

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

Family members of CH, EU or EFTA nationals

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

Complaints procedure

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.

General information

Implementation of collection of biometric data’s – From September 1st, 2018, VFSGlobal has to collect biometric data from all visa applicants starting 12 years old. The collection of biometric data gives a better protection from misuse of personal data by other persons. VFSGlobal will take fingerprints and the photo of the applicants, which will be then saved in the central database in Strasbourg. All Schengen member states have access to the new information system (CS-VIS). If biometric data cannot be taken because the applicant is not present than a new appointment must be scheduled with VFSGlobal.

Visa applicants whose fingerprints have been collected for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa within the previous 59 months should not give fingerprints again. The fingerprints already stored in the CS-VIS should be copied. The applicant must indicate on the application form when he last had his fingerprints taken and must provide the previous visa sticker number.

You must submit your visa application early (at least 7-8 weeks before your intended travel date). Visa applications can be submitted 6 months prior to the date of entry in Switzerland – no exceptions are allowed.

Due to the mandatory Schengen consultation of visa requests from Egyptian citizens and several other countries, the passports can be collected only after 11 working days from the date on which the visa application has been submitted and accepted by the visa officer. Notification of refusal will be handed out to the applicant or to an authorized person.

The Embassy recommends that when you travel you carry with you copies of the documents (e.g. letters of invitation, bookings, and insurance policy) which you enclosed with your visa application. This will ease the border control procedure and avoid delays.

How to apply for a short stay Schengen visa (visa C)

Applicants are required to appear personally to lodge their visa applications. Before doing so, an appointment with VFSGlobal needs to be arranged. Please read the "checklist" at the top of this page for information on general conditions and specific requirements.

Make an appointment in time. In some periods during the year, there can be a waiting period of three to four weeks before an appointment can be made.

Kindly make sure that the application form is fully filled out and signed and that the required documents mentioned in the “checklist” are duly enclosed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Be aware that your entry may still be refused at the Swiss border if you do not meet all the other admission requirements. A visa is just ONE of the requirements for admission into Switzerland.

The visa application form may be downloaded from this website or obtained for free from the Embassy.

Indicate your contact information (e.g. landline and mobile numbers, email address) in your visa application form. Doing so will make it easier for the Embassy to get in touch with you about the status of your application. Check your email regularly after filing your application since updates about your application are sometimes sent via email.

Please note that the passports, with or without visa, are to be collected at the same office where the documents were submitted earlier – at VFSGlobal or at the visa section of the Swiss Embassy.

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Last update 05.07.2024