Switzerland visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Switzerland

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

  • The visa application form must be correctly filled. It should also be signed where necessary.
  • Applicants should make sure they have a valid passport that has the validity of at least 3 months from departure from Switzerland.
  • An original copy of birth certificate.
  • A document from you bank showing the statement of your account from the past three months with evidence of steady and continuous cash flow.
  • Confirmed return flight reservation.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative in the country, you should present a letter of invitation from your host.
  • A valid insurance covering medical costs where necessary.
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation in Switzerland. If you are going to be staying with a host, the person’s passport and ID is required.
  • Proof of employment and letter showing that you were given leave and that you will return to your place of work.

Switzerland Visa for South Africans

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.

The best time to travel to Switzerland is between October to March. There are four main languages which are French, German, Italian and Romansh.

Types of Switzerland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 - 30 days 90 days
Business visa 15 - 30 days 90 days
Student visa 15 - 30 days 90 days

General Requirements for Switzerland Visa

  • The visa application form must be correctly filled. It should also be signed where necessary.
  • Applicants should make sure they have a valid passport that has the validity of at least 3 months from departure from Switzerland.
  • An original copy of birth certificate.
  • A document from you bank showing the statement of your account from the past three months with evidence of steady and continuous cash flow.
  • Confirmed return flight reservation.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative in the country, you should present a letter of invitation from your host.
  • A valid insurance covering medical costs where necessary.
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation in Switzerland. If you are going to be staying with a host, the person’s passport and ID is required.
  • Proof of employment and letter showing that you were given leave and that you will return to your place of work.
Switzerland Tourist visa Switzerland Business visa Switzerland Student visa

Switzerland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • People with this visa visit the country for sightseeing, recreation or holiday.
  • With this visa type, you can also visit friends and relatives.
  • It is used for short-term non-work purposes.
  • Receipt of confirmed payment of visa application fees.
  • You are not allowed to study with this visa.
  • Original copy of minor’s birth certificate is required.
  • You need a valid medical insurance.
  • Proof that you are in good health condition.
  • The visa fee costs $68 and it takes about 15 – 30 days to be ready.
  • The visa expires after a period of 90 days.
  • Holders of this visa can gain multiple entry into the country.

Switzerland Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows its holders to visit the country on business activities.
  • People with this visa can attend business meetings and sign business contracts with this kind of visa.
  • You can attend conferences, seminars, job interviews or professional examination.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid work with this visa type.
  • A letter of invitation from the company you are visiting in the country. The purpose and duration of visit should be written in detail in the letter.
  • Letter from your current employer in South Africa approving your business leave and stating the duration of your stay in Switzerland.
  • Holders of this visa cannot be enrolled into any institution of learning in the country.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees.
  • The visa typically costs $68.
  • It is processed for a period of 15 – 30 days and expires after 90 days.

Switzerland Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • People who have been enrolled to one institution or the other would need this visa type.
  • If the student’s program is not up after the 90-day validity, then the visa can be renewed.
  • A letter from the institution in which the student has been admitted to confirming enrolment should be presented.
  • With this kind of visa, you are not allowed to take up paid employment.
  • Document from your local physician showing you are in good health.
  • If you are a minor travelling alone, a consent form signed by both your parents should be provided.
  • Also, the minor’s original birth certificate should be provided.
  • You must be willing to meet all the conditions of your visa.
  • The visa takes a period of 15 – 30 days to be processed and costs $68.

Switzerland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

68.00 (USD)

Business visa

68.00 (USD)

Student visa

68.00 (USD)

Switzerland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

225 Veale Street, Parc Nouveau, New Muckleneuk 0181, South Africa

http://www.eda.admin.ch/pretoria

pretoria@eda.admin.ch

+27 12 425 0660

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any interview for Schengen tourist visa?
You do not need to give an interview for a short stay tourist visa.
Can I go to Switzerland with a Schengen visa?
Yes, you can travel to Switzerland with a Schengen visa.
Can you immigrate to Switzerland?
After a period of 10 years living in Switzerland, you can apply for a Swiss residence permit.
What is the best city to live in Switzerland?

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

Does a visa applicant need money for a private visit even if the host covers the expenses?
Yes, an applicant must have sufficient funds for a private visit.