Embassy of Switzerland in Kazakhstan
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, financial and legal affairs, as well as science, education and culture.
Visa for Switzerland - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On 18th March 2020, the Swiss Federal Council has decided to suspend the issuance of Schengen visas for Switzerland to citizens of third countries. Those restrictions have partly been eased, and since 23rd June 2021 the following regulations apply:
Schengen Visa C applications for short stays (i.e. under 90 days) will only be authorized in cases of absolute necessity. Tourism doesn’t fall under this category.
However, beside the regular entry conditions, third country nationals may travel to Switzerland provided that they can present a certificate according to which they have been fully vaccinated, with
- a vaccine authorized by the competent Swiss authority, in accordance with the recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH); or
- a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency for the European Union, in accordance with the requirements or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was carried out; or
- a vaccine that figures on the list of WHO, in accordance with requirements or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was carried out.
Sputnik V, QazVac and Hayat-Vax do not figure on the list of the WHO of approved vaccines and do therefore not allow an entry into Switzerland.
Entry restrictions continue to apply to foreign nationals who are not vaccinated and are without rights of free movement.
On 6th July 2020 all COVID-19 related restrictions on the admission for long stays (more than 90 days) for third-country citizens were lifted. Such stays must be authorized by the competent cantonal migration office in advance.
Normal entry requirements will apply again to all citizens of a Schengen state, to persons with rights of free movement and to third-country nationals who do not require a visa and are already legally resident in the Schengen area.
All foreign nationals who are already holders of a Swiss residency permit, a cross border permit or of a legitimation card, can still enter Switzerland upon presentation of their valid residency permit. Swiss citizens can enter Switzerland at any time.
For additional information, please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Sanitary measures at Swiss borders
For persons who are authorized to enter Switzerland:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are special rules for entering Switzerland. Please refer to the information of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
For instance, in certain cases, a negative PCR test is required.
In addition, there is a mandatory registration of data for air travellers
Appointments for the issuance of visas
The VFS Global visa centers in Nur-Sultan and Almaty will re-open on 21st July 2021. The visa section of the Swiss Embassy in Nur-Sultan remains open. However, visas at the Embassy's counter will be provided exclusively when an appointment has been agreed upon in advance. As before, the Embassy can be reached over the telephone or by Email: nur-sultan@eda.admin.ch
Consular services for Swiss Citizens - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Swiss Embassy in Nur-Sultan remains open for consular activities. However, during the crises prior appointment must be agreed upon for services at the counter. As before the Embassy can be reached over the telephone or by Email:
Information about a new coronavirus
For information regarding the coronavirus, please refer to the information and recommandation provided by the local authorities, as well as the official website of the WHO, the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and the Swiss website Safetravel.
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (german)
The situation in Kazakhstan can be monitored from the Ministry of health (in Russian).
Important Note for Travelers to Kazakhstan
Please consider the travel advice of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. For visa questions please get in touch with the Kazakh Representation responsible for your permanent place of residence.
Link to Travel advice FDFA: Deutsch Français Italiano
Swiss travelling at the moment in Kazakhstan or Tajikistan are invited to register through the EDA Travel Admin application.
