Due to the current situation concerning the coronavirus COVID-19, the Regional Consular Centre London is no longer accepting any Schengen visa applications until further notice. For national visas for a stay of more than 90 days, please send an email with detailed information on your situation/request to london.visa@eda.admin.ch for further information.
Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland
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.
Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.
Applications for Schengen visas with Switzerland as the main destination can be submitted through TLScontact offices in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. Charges apply for these services.
The following visa categories have to book an appointment through TLScontact (Helpline 020 7605 6745) in order to submit the visa application in person at the Regional Consular Centre London, (Monday to Friday 09.00am to 11.30am, except on British and Swiss public holidays):
National visa for a stay of more than 90 days
- Spouse permit
- Student permit
Limited appointments available at the Regional Consular Centre for
- Swiss/EU/EEA Spouse visa (*)
- Swiss/EU/EEA and Dependant (parent only) (*)
- Diplomatic, service or official passport holders
- Visa for employment and internship in an international organization (e.g. United Nations) (**)
- Visa for official invitations through international organisations (e.g. United Nations)
- D-Visa applicants
For requirements visit TLScontact, or call the TLScontact Helpline 020 7605 6745.
(*) 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 Embassy of Switzerland.
(**) Please be aware that if you are going to Switzerland for an internship in an International Organization, you must contact the Embassy directly via email on london.visa@eda.admin.ch to find out about the requirements regarding documentation you need to submit with your application.
An appointment is mandatory and must be booked in advance through TLScontact. If no appointment was made in advance, neither TLScontact nor the Embassy of Switzerland in London will accept a visa application.
Walk-in visa categories
Applications for the following permits and visas can be submitted in person at the Regional Consular Centre London (Monday to Friday 10.30am to 11.30am, except on British and Swiss public holidays):
- Authorised work and entry permit
With the introduction of biometric visas all visa applications must be submitted in person as fingerprints have to be taken.
