How to apply for a Switzerland Short Stay Visa
The Switzerland short-stay visa is a visa type that allows you to stay in Switzerland for about 90 days for special activities such as tourism, business, visit, etc.
Switzerland is a beautiful country with an irresistible landscape and exciting mountain views. In addition, the country has gorgeous villages and heaps of lakes, making it an ideal place for tourism and other exciting activities.
Therefore, in this article, we will check the unique Switzerland short-stay visa, the types, eligibility criteria, documents, and how to apply for one. Stay close!.
About Switzerland Short Stay Visa
This short-stay visa is a type offered to individuals with no visa-free access to Switzerland. For example, suppose you are a citizen of the Schengen member country, United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, or Australia. In that case, you will not need this visa to visit Switzerland for 90 days. On the other hand, you will need to get this Visa type if your country has no visa-free relationship with Switzerland.
With this visa, you can carry out different activities, including business, medical visits, education (short-term study), etc. You will not be interrupted in Switzerland as long as your visa is valid.
Eligibility criteria for Switzerland short-stay visa
To be eligible for the Switzerland short-stay visa, you must meet the requirements associated with your purpose of visiting Switzerland. For example, suppose you’re going for educational purposes. In that case, you must provide evidence of an educational agreement with the institution you will be attending. However, if you’ll be going for tourism, you must present proof of your tour activities in Switzerland.
Types of Switzerland short-stay visa
There are various Switzerland short-stay visas you can apply for online. However, the most common ones include business, visit, or tourist visas.
Business Visa
The Switzerland short-stay business visa is suitable for a business trip to Switzerland for not more than three months. Because Switzerland has a vast growing economy with a business-friendly atmosphere, you will meet like-minds that are business-oriented. Such people will also have the potential to help you grow in your career.
Switzerland visit visa
This visa type is ideal if you have family, relatives, or friends with whom you want to catch up in Switzerland. However, don’t forget that it’s a short-stay visa, and you should be back in your home country by the end of the three months with your family.
Switzerland tourist visa
No doubt, Switzerland is one of the favorite destinations of tourists across the world. Owing to its beautiful landscape, scenic mountain views, and lovely people.
Where to apply for the Switzerland short-stay visa?
You can apply at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your own country. And yes, you can obtain the visa application form online and fill it in with your correct details. However, suppose you do not have an embassy or Swiss Consulate in your home country. In that case, you can visit the visa Centre of another Schengen state to enroll in your application.
Documents needed to apply for the Switzerland short-stay visa.
Without a doubt, you need to meet the basic requirements to apply for this visa type. It is noteworthy that application is easy when you have all your documents ready and authorized. Check for the essential documents needed for your application below.
#1. Passport photo
You will need a passport shot if you don’t have any recent passports in your archive. This is because you cannot apply for a Switzerland short-stay visa with a passport older than three months.
#2. Switzerland visa application form
You can download the visa application form online at the official website. But, not to forget, you must fill in your correct details and information and print it out twice.
#3. Health insurance
There is a policy that governs every traveler to Switzerland. This policy includes health insurance covering your medical emergency needs while in Switzerland. Therefore, you will have to provide proof of health coverage either from a Switzerland insurance company or an international company that can operate in Switzerland.
#4. Cover Letter
Your cover letter must include your purpose for visiting Switzerland and when you intend to return to your home country.
#5. Flight reservation
Also, you need to tender your flight itinerary or ticket, stating when you will arrive in Switzerland and leave the country.
#6. Proof of accommodation
You may have to book accommodation in Switzerland, which could be in the form of a hotel booking or rental contract for the period you will stay in Switzerland.
#7. Proof of financial stability
You may spend about 1000 Swiss francs every day in Switzerland. Therefore, you must provide evidence of financial stability to ensure you will not get stranded in Switzerland.
#8. Passport
It would help if you had a passport to apply for the visa. Note that your passport must have at least three months of validity after your return date from Switzerland.
Cost of applying for a Switzerland short-stay visa
It is essential to know you have to pay the administration fee when submitting your application. This Visa service fee can be paid either online (if you’re making an application through your internet), or when you want to submit your application.
And yes, this fee is refundable. Therefore, if your visa is refused, you will get your visa application fee refunded. The cost of applying for a short-stay visa differs by age and category. They are;
- Adult: An adult applicant will get to pay the sum of €80.
- Children: Children between the ages of 12 to 18 will get to pay €80.
- Children: Children between the ages of 6 to less than 12 years old who gets to pay the sum of €40
- Children less than six years we get their Switzerland short-stay visa for free.
How to apply for a Switzerland Short Stay Visa?
It is pretty easy to apply for the Switzerland short-stay visa. However, all protocols must be duly observed to ensure a successful application. Here’s a stepwise guide for you
Step one: Decide on the purpose of your travel
The first step to applying for the Switzerland short-stay visa is to decide on the purpose of your visit to Switzerland. Knowing this will guide you on the type of application form you need to fill out and download.
Step two: Download the visa application form
You can find the visa application form on the official website of Switzerland. First, ensure that you roll in your correct information for the application. Then, fill in your details and sign. If a minor under the age of 18 is to apply for this visa, the parents will need to sign the visa and include a copy of their passport.
Step three: Book an appointment for an interview
You are to check for the location of the embassy or the Switzerland consulate in your home country. Then, you can submit your document before an interview.
Step four: Attend the interview
Take note of your interview date; your preparation must be concise, with all documents accurately arranged. Lateness is not permitted for your interview. Hence, prepare to go as early as possible.
Step five: Wait for the outcome
The outcome of your visa application will be communicated to you through your mail. Also, you can keep checking the portal of the embassy you applied to for a response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Switzerland with a Schengen visa?
Yes, you can enter Switzerland with a Schengen visa. The Schengen Area includes 26 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens. Switzerland is not a member of the Schengen Area. Still, it is a member of the European Union and has agreed to honor the Schengen Agreement.
What happens if you break the 90-day rule?
There is no set punishment for breaking the 90-day rule, but it is generally a severe offense. Depending on the circumstances, you may be banned from the country, deported, or imprisoned.
Can I marry someone who overstayed their visa?
Yes, you can marry someone who overstayed their visa. However, undocumented people may not be able to apply for a green card through marriage.
What is a D visa in Switzerland?
The D visa is a short-term business or tourism visa valid for up to 90 days. It can be used for multiple entries, and it must be used within six months of the date of issue.
Can you live in Switzerland without citizenship?
Yes, you can live in Switzerland without citizenship. However, it would help if you had a valid residence permit to live in Switzerland without citizenship.
Conclusion
The Switzerland short-stay visa is your sure way of enjoying a charming short visit to Switzerland. Regardless of your purpose of visit, you must complete proper documentation and submit evidence of health coverage and proof of accommodation. Other requirements have been stated in this guide; therefore, endeavor to meet up for a successful application.
