Switzerland visa requirements for Somalis

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Somalis visiting Switzerland

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

  • One copy of the completed visa application form for each applicant. It should be completed online or in writing in capital letters with a blue or black pen.
  • Passport with two entirely blank pages issued within the last ten years. The passport must be valid three months after departing Switzerland.
  • One copy of the main page of the passport with the applicant’s photograph.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas, if available.
  • Two recent identity photographs taken with a white background and with the face uncovered.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fee.
  • Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid for all Schengen states for the total duration of the intended stay. The insurance must take care of accidents or sicknesses.
  • Confirmed reservation of a hotel in Switzerland and the complete itinerary of the trip.
  • Banking history from the previous 6 months before visa application.

Switzerland Visa for Somalis

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
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Official visa within 2 weeks 90 days
Tourist visa within 15 days 90 days
Medical visa within 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Switzerland Visa

  • One copy of the completed visa application form for each applicant. It should be completed online or in writing in capital letters with a blue or black pen.
  • Passport with two entirely blank pages issued within the last ten years. The passport must be valid three months after departing Switzerland.
  • One copy of the main page of the passport with the applicant’s photograph.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas, if available.
  • Two recent identity photographs taken with a white background and with the face uncovered.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fee.
  • Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid for all Schengen states for the total duration of the intended stay. The insurance must take care of accidents or sicknesses.
  • Confirmed reservation of a hotel in Switzerland and the complete itinerary of the trip.
  • Banking history from the previous 6 months before visa application.
Switzerland Business visa Switzerland Official visa Switzerland Tourist visa Switzerland Medical visa

Switzerland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreign tourists who are travelling to Switzerland with the intention of relaxing and recreation.
  • Those who have the intention of visiting a friend or relative who is a permanent resident of Switzerland are eligible for this visa.
  • This visa is issued for a short-stay duration of 90 days spreading over 180 days in one calendar year.
  • Your visa processing time is 15 days but could extend up to 30 days in some unforeseen cases.
  • You can visit other Schengen countries with this visa.
  • An invitation letter from the host should be provided. The letter must state if the host will be financially responsible for the applicant while he/she is residing in the country.
  • You are required to present a copy of the family record which indicates the applicant’s current family situation.
  • Applicants must provide proof of sufficient economic resources for the duration of their stay in Switzerland.
  • All applicants who are employed are required to provide a copy of their recent employment contract.
  • Social security affiliation certificate or annual salary declaration of the previous year should be provided.
  • Foreigners who are retired should possess the original and photocopy of their certificate of withdrawal or bank statement.
  • Those who are unemployed must provide proof of their current financial status.
  • Minors should ensure that their visa application is signed by both their parents. Proof of parental consensions should be provided.
  • If the guardianship does not belong to the father, authorization, and proof of guardianship should be provided.
  • Before applying for the visa at the Embassy, you must be able to present all the required documents.
  • Your documents must be translated to English if it is originally in Arabic language or any other language.
  • The Swiss Embassy may request additional documents and invite the candidate for a personal interview.
  • Switzerland does not currently have a representation in Somalia. Citizens of Somalia are to apply for a Swiss visa in neighboring countries where Switzerland has a Diplomatic mission.

Switzerland Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Switzerland business visa is for foreign nationals who have the intention of engaging in business activities while they are in the country.
  • This visa allows foreign business travellers to attend trade fairs, conferences, and congresses that relate to their professional activity.
  • This visa is issued for a short-stay duration of 90 days spreading over 180 days in one calendar year.
  • Your visa processing time is 15 days but could extend up to 30 days in some unforeseen cases.
  • You are required to provide an official invitation from your business partners in Switzerland stating the nature of the business to be carried out in the country.
  • A cover letter which states in detail the reason for your visit to Switzerland must be provided. The business letter must state who will be responsible for your expenses in the country.
  • Invoices and contracts represent proof of a previous commercial and industrial relationship between the companies is required.
  • Switzerland does not currently have a representation in Somalia. Citizens of Somalia are to apply for a Swiss visa in neighbouring countries where Switzerland has a Diplomatic mission.
  • A valid travel health insurance is required from all business travellers to Switzerland.
  • Children between the ages of 6 to 12 years are required to pay a fee of €35 while adults are expected to pay €60.
  • All original documents requested by the Swiss Embassy must be accompanied by a photocopy of each document.
  • Only complete files will be accepted by the Swiss Embassy. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
  • Your documents must be translated to English if it is originally in Arabic language or any other languages.
  • Return tickets which show that the applicant has the incentive of returning to his/her country should be provided.
  • Proof of employment should be provided by the applicants who are employed in their home country.

Switzerland Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreigners visiting Switzerland for official purposes.
  • A Ministry note issued by the Swiss government indicating the program of mission(s) and management of the applicant must be provided.
  • If the reason for your trip to Switzerland is unofficial, you may not be granted this visa type.
  • Applicants of this visa type are required to be in possession of a valid means of identification.
  • This visa is issued for a short-stay duration of 90 days spreading over 180 days in one calendar year.
  • Your visa processing time is 15 days but could extend up to 30 days in some unforeseen case
  • You can visit other Schengen countries with this visa on diplomatic purposes.
  • Relatives of holders of this visa can accompany them on this visa.
  • The visa application form to be submitted at the Embassy must be in either French, Arabic, German, Italian or English.
  • The fee paid by the visa applicant at the Swiss Embassy cannot be refunded after it has been received even if the application is rejected.
  • All applicants of this visa type are expected to have valid travel insurance from a recognized insurance agency. The accepted insurance policies are AXA, Alliance, MacirVie, Amana, Carama, and TALA.
  • If you will be accompanied to Switzerland by someone who is below the age of 18 years, the original copy of the minor’s birth certificate should be provided.
  • All documents which are in Arabic are to be accompanied by the French translation of such document.
  • You are expected to provide the original and photocopy of all the requested documents. The original documents will be returned to you while the photocopy will be withheld by the Embassy.
  • Switzerland does not currently have a representation in Somalia. Citizens of Somalia are to apply for a Swiss visa in neighbouring countries where Switzerland has a Diplomatic mission.

Switzerland Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is granted to applicants who are in Switzerland to receive medical treatment that cannot be gotten in their home country.
  • Applicants of this visa are required to present an appointment confirmed in writing with a hospital, clinic or private doctor in Switzerland.
  • A security deposit deposited with the hospital, clinic or private doctor in Switzerland must be provided.
  • The physician who has been attending to the visa applicant in Somalia must provide the applicant with a brief medical report which must be presented at the Embassy.
  • If you have previous appointments with the Swiss hospital, clinic or medical doctor, you are required to present the last bills of the appointments.
  • Previous bank statements and payslips which indicate that you are capable of paying the medical bills and other miscellaneous expenses that may arise is required.
  • Applicants of this visa who are employed are required to present proof of their employment during the visa application.
  • If the applicant is not a citizen of Somalia, he must provide a residence card valid for three months after departing Switzerland.
  • This visa is issued for a short-stay duration of 90 days spreading over 180 days in one calendar year.
  • Your visa processing time is 15 days but could extend up to 30 days in some unforeseen cases. In the case of medical emergency cases, you are to apply as early as possible.
  • You can visit other Schengen countries with this visa.
  • Unaccompanied minors are strongly advised to have a note of consent from their parents, as well as a copy of their parents’ passport or ID card.
  • Before applying for your visa at the Swiss Embassy, you must be able to present all the required documents.
  • Having all the required documents for a visa application does not guarantee that you will be issued a visa.
  • The Swiss Embassy will only accept complete applications, incomplete applications will be rejected.
  • Switzerland does not currently have a representation in Somalia. Citizens of Somalia are to apply for a Swiss visa in neighbouring countries where Switzerland has a Diplomatic mission.

Switzerland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Business visa

75.00 (CHF)

Official visa

75.00 (CHF)

Tourist visa

75.00 (CHF)

Medical visa

75.00 (CHF)

Switzerland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Somalia

Location

Address

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Switzerland?

Visiting Switzerland is extremely safe and criminal cases are rarely heard of. Travelers do not have to worry when traveling to the country.

What is the source of national revenue generation for Switzerland?

The Swiss source of revenue is the service sector generating about 74% of its revenue and its industrial sector generating 25% while the agricultural sector contributes 1%. 

Is Switzerland expensive to live in?

Switzerland is an expensive country to visit.  travellers will need about $75 per day.

When is the best time to visit Switzerland as a tourist?

July and August are the peak seasons in Switzerland, where places are flocked by tourists from around the world.