Information for people travelling to Switzerland within the “International Geneva” context

Introduction

The aim of this fact sheet is to set out the conditions for issuing visas to persons invited to Switzerland in a multilateral context (International Geneva) by institutional beneficiaries, including holders of legitimation cards issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). It also provides details about entry, exit and travel within the Schengen area.

In this context, the entities hereunder are responsible for processing visa applications of following individuals:

  • The FDFA, respectively the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva (hereafter, the Swiss Mission) are mainly responsible for:
    • Individuals invited to meetings hosted by international organisations having concluded a headquarters agreement (see PDF below) with Switzerland;
    • Individuals employed by these organisations or by other institutional beneficiaries whose stay is legalised by a FDFA legitimation card; Staff members and official guests of diplomatic missions and permanent missions in Switzerland;
    • Official guests in the context of good offices, official working visits, etc.
  • The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), respectively the Swiss Embassies/Consulates abroad are responsible for applications subject to ordinary law:
    • Invitees of holders of a FDFA legitimation card
    • Representatives and guests of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

General information

Switzerland is part of the Schengen-Dublin agreements. It applies the Schengen regulations and its procedures for issuing visas in accordance with the Vienna Convention of 18 April 1961 on Diplomatic Relations - applicable by analogy to permanent missions - and the agreements concluded with international organisations.

The Schengen regulations mention the following two distinct types of visas:

The issuance of a long-stay visa is subject to national conditions and procedures. This type of visa is issued for employment purposes and its holder receives a Carte de légitimation (residence permit for internationals) or a Swiss work permit.

Please note this fact sheet only covers certain aspects of the current visa directives available on the SEM website.

Do you need a visa and if so, where do you lodge your visa application?

  • List of nationalities subject to visa requirements
  • Visa exemption: Individuals who are exempted from visa requirements must travel with a note verbale from the sending State and/or a mission order stating the purpose of travel as well as the title and date of the meeting/event.
  • If a visa is required Where to apply for a visa: The country of primary destination is the one responsible for issuing a Schengen visa and/or a national visa. If the primary destination is Switzerland, the visa application must be submitted to the Swiss representation responsible for the applicant's place of residence (regardless of their nationality).
  • How to apply for a visa: It is highly recommended to check the appropriate Embassy/consulate’s website to obtain the list of required documents and current appointment possibilities. These aspects vary according to local circumstances. In some cases Switzerland is represented by another Schengen State (Where to apply for a visa) where it is possible to submit certain types of visa applications (mainly short-stay Schengen C visas without gainful employment). Applicants are responsible for ensuring their application can be processed by the representing Schengen State.

Short-stay visa (Schengen C visa) - up to 90 days

General information

These are C-type visas for short stays (up to 90 days within a period of 180 days) which can be issued for single or multiple entries.

  • In the “International Geneva” context, these visas are usually issued with a single entry and limited to the duration of the event/meeting.
  • Multiple-entry visas must be duly justified by the inviting party and mentioned in the visa support letter. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check the validity of his/her visa and length of stay in the Schengen area.
  • The authorised length of stay differs and depends on the number of days already spent in the Schengen area during previous visits. Holders of a valid Schengen visa can use this program to calculate the remaining number of days allowed. The program is based on previous stays (control and planning).
  • The Embassy/Consulate can also be contacted for further queries.

The list of documents required by the Embassy or Consulate varies and depends on the applicant’s country of residence. It is therefore important to check their website and, if necessary, contact them for detailed visa application requirements.

Documents required to apply for a Schengen C visa (short-stay official visit)

As a general rule, the following documents are required:

  • A completed Schengen visa application form signed by the applicant;
  • A valid travel document recognised by Switzerland (valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure and issued within the last ten years) and a copy thereof;
  • If necessary, a valid residence permit or equivalent document (e.g. exit or return visa) which guarantees the applicant can exit and/or re-enter his/her country of residence;
  • A recent passport photograph;
  • A nominative invitation letter from an organisation with which Switzerland has a headquarters agreement, stating the applicant’s first and last name (as in passport) as well as the purpose and duration of stay. This letter must also specify whether the inviting party in Switzerland will cover the costs related to travel, accommodation and other expenses.
  • Note verbale from the sending State (government officials only);
  • Proof of travel health insurance valid in the signatory states of the Schengen Agreement and covering at least 30'000 euros (holders of ordinary passports only);
  • The Swiss Embassy/Consulate may request additional documents such as hotel and flight reservations (round trip).

Exceptional and urgent circumstances:

Visas with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV)

  • Swiss Embassies/Consulates are allowed to issue visas with limited territorial validity (LTV) in accordance with Schengen regulations.
  • However, this measure only applies to isolated and duly justified situations.
  • A LTV visa allows entry and stay on Swiss territory only. It excludes the possibility of travelling to another Schengen state. This constrains the holder of a LTV visa to enter and leave Switzerland, without transiting through another Schengen member state.

Extension of a short-stay Schengen C visa

Other than in exceptional circumstances, a person cannot extend his/her visa in Switzerland. It is therefore his/her responsibility to ensure, before departure to Switzerland, that his/her visa covers the entire stay.

For whom is the short-stay Schengen C visa?

Government representatives, international civil servants, trainees, consultants, experts, etc. who have a contract with an organisation with which Switzerland has signed an agreement (see PDF below) or are nominated by their government to work at a diplomatic mission/representation for a period of up to 90 days are usually granted a short-stay Schengen C visa.

Long stay national D visa (for stays of more than 90 days)

General information

A D visa is a national visa issued for a stay of more than 90 days as per the national legislation of each Schengen State. This type of visa is mainly issued for employment and family reunification purposes.

Holders of a national D visa who will receive a FDFA legitimation card upon arrival in Switzerland, must check the guidelines on the issuance of FDFA legitimation cards. These guidelines also provide information about visa procedures.

Documents required to apply for a Schengen D visa (for stays of more than 90 days)

As a general rule, the following documents must be submitted with a national D visa application (official stay):

  • A completed and signed national D visa application form available here
  • A valid travel document (and copy thereof) that is
  • valid for at least three months after the date of return and
  • issued within the last ten years;
  • If required, a valid residence permit or equivalent document (e.g. exit/return visa) which guarantees the applicant can exit and/or re-enter his/her country of residence;
  • Two recent passport photographs;
  • An invitation letter indicating name of the international organisation OR an employment contract OR a note verbale from the sending State with employment details and the applicant's full name (as in passport);
  • Any additional documents required by the Embassy or Consulate.

Border crossing and movement within the Schengen area

When crossing the border to leave Switzerland or to travel within the Schengen area, the person must carry:

  • A valid travel document recognised in the Schengen area;
  • valid for at least three months after departure date and issued within the last ten years
  • A residence permit OR a visa covering the period of travel in the Schengen area.

Detailed visa directives are available on the following websites:

Documents

Specialist Contact

Permanent Mission of Switzerland to UNOG
Visa Competence Center
Rue de Varembé 9-11
P.O. Box 194
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. +41 (0)58 482 24 24

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