How to Apply for a Visa for Switzerland
- 1). Determine if you are of a nationality that is required to hold a tourist (Schengen) visa to Switzerland. United States citizens do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland for a stay of less than 90 days. Visas to Switzerland are waived for the members of the following nations: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Venezuela and all member states of the European Union. Citizens of nations that are not waived must apply for a Schengen short stay (under 90 days) visa.
- 2). Prepare your passport. If you are Schengen-visa exempt, all that is needed to travel to Switzerland is a valid passport with at least three months remaining validity, and blank pages for stamps.
- 3). Find the appropriate Swiss Embassy/Consulate. If you are required to apply for a Schengen visa, determine the closest consulate general or embassy of Switzerland to your location by visiting the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs website. For a full list of the Swiss consulates throughout the world, visit http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps.html.
- 4). Apply for Schengen visa. Schedule a visa appointment through the website of the appropriate Swiss Consulate or embassy (locations addressed in step 3). Take the following documents to the appoinment: a completed application form for a Schengen visa (refer to resources for link), two passport-size photos, passport, proof of insurance while abroad, documents for justification of trip (business, tourist, personal), documents proving intention to return back to your country, proof of financial self-sufficiency while in Switzerland (bank statements, savings documents, etc.), and signed declaration of acceptance financial liability.
- 5). Attend appointments with all required documents and pay the nonrefundable application fee of 60 €. If approved, the visa will be delivered to you no more than five days after your application.
- 6). If your plans change due to your newfound love for Switzerland and you want a longer-stay visa, there are alternative visas for students, work and long-term residency. Americans are not exempt from the visas that expand a stay beyond 90 day. Information and application detail pertaining to each type of Swiss visa can be found at the website of the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs.