For a trip to Switzerland, you can apply for either a national or a Schengen visa
However, to visit such an amazing country, our compatriots will need a visa. What types of visas for entry into Switzerland are there and how to get them?
Types of Swiss visas
There are two types of Swiss visas: long-term (allows staying in the Schengen area for more than 90 days) and short-term (up to 90 days). In addition, visas are divided into several categories:
• Work visas. They are necessary for people who plan to work for hire.
• Business visas. Issued to persons traveling to Switzerland for negotiations, meeting with partners.
• Student visas. They are indispensable if a person plans to study abroad. Such a visa is considered long-term and is issued for more than 90 days.
• Guest visas. They can be obtained with an invitation from Swiss citizens.
• Transit visas. Necessary for citizens who are traveling to a third country (which is not a Schengen member) through Switzerland.
• Tourist visas. Issued to foreign citizens planning to spend a vacation in Switzerland.
How to apply for a visa?
If it comes to applying for a long-term visa, it can only be done at the Swiss embassy located in the capital. In other cases, you can use other options.
1. Apply directly to the embassy. Gather the necessary documents and register on the official website.
2. Apply to a visa center. You need to go to the appointment with the collected package of documents.
3. Apply to an accredited travel agency. Here you will receive quality consultations and assistance in document processing.
Cost of the visa issue
How much will it cost to apply for a visa to Switzerland? For processing the application you will have to pay 35 euros. Need urgent processing of documents? Then the price doubles to 70 euros. If you plan to apply for a long-term visa, be prepared to pay 60 euros for it. And if you submit documents through a visa center, you will have to pay an additional 22 euros.
All payments are made in the national currency at the official exchange rate. When making payment, keep all receipts – you will need them. In case you change your mind about going to Switzerland, the money is not refunded. Disabled persons and children under 6 years old are exempt from visa fees.
Processing times
The processing times for a Swiss visa application depend on the method you used to submit documents. Generally, documents are processed within 3-5 days. Additionally, the time increases if an error is found in the documents, an incomplete set of documents is submitted, or the person is called for an interview.
If it comes to a long-term visa, you will have to wait from 1.5 to 3 months for its issuance.