Switzerland visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Sierra Leoneans visiting Switzerland

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Swiss Visa.

  • A duly completed and signed Switzerland Schengen visa.
  • A valid passport issued within the last 10 years.
  • Two blank pages of the passport for visa stamps.
  • Two passport-sized photos with a light background.
  • Copies of the applicant's previous visas (if any). 
  • A copy of your return ticket reservation.
  • Travel visa insurance confirmation of a minimum of  € 30,000 coverage within Sierra Leone and the entire Schengen area.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay. 
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to Switzerland.
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Switzerland. 
  • Applicants' flight ticket reservations.
  • Proof of civil status in Sierra Leone.

Switzerland Visa for Sierra Leoneans

Facts about Switzerland

Switzerland is a top destination for tourists and business people alike. Banking and finance are major industries in the country and it is little wonder the country has the highest nominal wealth per adult in the world. Tourism is no way abandoned in the country. There are a lot of attractions tourists can visit when they are in the country. Ski resorts and hiking trails are aplenty in the country. The country’s landscape is a sight to behold.

An average of 2.2 million visitors arrives in the country monthly to appreciate the beautiful landscape of the country.

In the city of Ticino, which is the Italian-speaking section of Switzerland, it is a crime to veil ones the face in public places. Doing so could attract a fine between the range of CHF100 to CHF10,000.

Types of Switzerland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa Three weeks 90 days
Visitor Visa Three weeks 1-5 years
Transit visa Three weeks 24 hours

General Requirements for Switzerland Visa

  • A duly completed and signed Switzerland Schengen visa.
  • A valid passport issued within the last 10 years.
  • Two blank pages of the passport for visa stamps.
  • Two passport-sized photos with a light background.
  • Copies of the applicant's previous visas (if any). 
  • A copy of your return ticket reservation.
  • Travel visa insurance confirmation of a minimum of  € 30,000 coverage within Sierra Leone and the entire Schengen area.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay. 
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to Switzerland.
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Switzerland. 
  • Applicants' flight ticket reservations.
  • Proof of civil status in Sierra Leone.
Switzerland Tourist visa Switzerland Visitor Visa Switzerland Transit visa

Switzerland Schengen Short-stay Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Schengen short-stay visa is issued to travelers who want to visit Switzerland for tourism, business, family visitation or any other short term purpose.
  • The applicant's reason for travel must be clearly stated on the visa stamped in the applicant's visa.
  • Application forms should be filled correctly and with all honesty.
  • You can also fill the Switzerland Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date.
  • When you submit your application, your fingerprints will be taken and these will remain valid for 5 years. 
  • Some applicants such as children under the age of 12 do not need to have their fingerprints taken.
  • Travelers on this visa are expected to have at least €14 to spend per day.
  • Applicants are expected to be physically present for submission of the signed application form to the appropriate embassy in Sierra Leone.
  • For accommodation, you can book hotels online.
  • There should be an invitation letter from the applicant's family or friends in Switzerland with their address and phone number in case the applicant would be hosted by them.
  • For business applicants, they are to submit an invitation letter from the Swiss company they will be visiting and a detailed address accompanied by the dates of their visit.
  • The employer or the partner company must state coverage of the applicant’s expenses for the duration of stay in Switzerland on the letter of invitation.
  • There should be a detailed itinerary of the applicant's travel and a return ticket to Sierra Leone at the end of the applicant's stay. 

Switzerland Schengen Long-stay Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who want to stay in Switzerland for a period longer than 90 days.
  • This visa is referred to as the Type-D Schengen visa or the National visa.
  • This visa is issued to foreigners for purposes such as joining a spouse/family member, taking up a job, studying and conducting research.
  • To be issued this visa, your reasons must be clearly stated and will be duly indicated on your visa.
  • The national visa grants entry to Switzerland on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit.
  • The national visa allows you to enter Switzerland as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency. 
  • You are expected to convert your visa into a residence permit within three months of arriving in Switzerland. 
  • Your visa can only be converted into the corresponding type of residence permit (a visa for work must be converted into a working residence permit).
  • As a foreign national, you are not permitted to work in Switzerland unless this was expressly stated when applying for a visa.
  • Applicants are required to submit a police report stating that they have no criminal record in Sierra Leone.

Switzerland Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The transit visa for Switzerland is referred to as the Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
  • An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required to be able to go through any Schengen state. 
  • The ATV type should be the multiple ATV that authorizes several transits through Schengen states.
  • The visa application form for the Schengen visa should be electronically filled after which the hard copy of the filled form should be printed.
  • Fingerprints are required for a Schengen Visa so the applicant has to be physically present at the embassy during the application.
  • A  passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the return date should be submitted alongside the duly completed visa application form.
  • There should be two copies of the passport photo page having the address of the applicant.
  • Two recently taken passport photos should also be attached.
  • Applicants are advised to ensure that they bring along all the required documents to the embassy as incomplete documentation could lead to delay or visa denial.
  • On arrival at the country of transit, you are expected to remain in the international zone of the airport until you are connected to your final destination.

Switzerland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Schengen short-stay visa

60.00 (CHF)

Visitor Visa

Schengen long-stay visa

99.00 (CHF)

Transit visa

60.00 (CHF)

Switzerland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Sierra Leone

Location

Address

Freetown

Swiss Honorary Consulate General. Freetown Cold Storage Co Ltd George Brook P.O. Box 99, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

fcsc@sierratel.sl

(+232) 22 235 056, (+232) 22 235 024

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities to live in Switzerland?

Tourists will enjoy their time in Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Wintherthur, Lausanne and Basel.

How safe is Switzerland to travel to?

Switzerland is known to be one of the safest countries throughout Europe. No place, however, is completely safe or crime-free. Staying safe while traveling should be a priority no matter where a traveler is going.

What currency is used in Switzerland?

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland (and Liechtenstein). Note that the EURO is a foreign currency in Switzerland and it's best to get it changed to the Franc if you have the Euro in your possession.