Visas and procedures for entering Switzerland

VISITING GENEVA IN A MULTILATERAL CAPACITY VISAS AND PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING SWITZERLAND

1. General information on visas

Every year, thousands of delegates, experts, representatives of states, NGOs and international organisations travel to Geneva to participate in conferences, official meetings and working groups.

Depending on their citizenship, some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Switzerland. It is the applicant's responsibility to comply with this requirement before arriving in Switzerland.

A list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa is available on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

Who is in charge of issuing visas?

As a rule, the SEM is responsible for entry, residence and work permits in Switzerland, including for NGO representatives. However, in light of International Geneva's unique status, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has a specific and limited remit in relation to visas, linked to its role as host state for international organisations. Visitors arriving in a multilateral capacity are therefore covered by the Swiss mission's Visa Competence Centre.

The Visa Competence Centre of the Swiss Mission in Geneva

The Visa Competence Centre is part of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organisations in Geneva. It provides advices and ensure that Schengen regulations are correctly applied in line with Switzerland's international obligations.

In this context, the Visa Competence Centre aims to facilitate entry into Switzerland for certain categories of persons within the multilateral framework:

  • guests of organisations with a headquarters agreement with Switzerland (group 1) for short stays;
  • persons employed by organisations with a headquarters agreement or by other institutional beneficiaries whose stay is legalised by a FDFA legitimation card. The three groups of international organisations for long stays;
  • staff of diplomatic or permanent missions in Switzerland (long stay) and persons that are expected in an official capacity supported by a note verbale (short stay). This includes holders of diplomatic, service or special passports travelling to Switzerland on official business;
  • persons that are expected as part of good offices (short stay).

As a country associated with the Schengen/Dublin agreements, Switzerland applies Schengen regulations and procedures for issuing visas in line with the Vienna Convention of 18 April 1961 on Diplomatic Relations and the agreements concluded with international organisations.

Schengen regulations distinguish between two categories of visa:

Schengen rules on issuing visas stipulate that biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) be recorded in the Visa Information System (VIS). This means that applicants must deposit and register their biometric data in person, which then remains valid for five years. The following categories of person in particular are exempt from biometric fingerprint capture: heads of state (president, vice-president, prime minister) and accompanying members of national governments.

2. Guests from organisations with a headquarters agreement and official missions (short stay)

Who requires a short-stay visa?

Depending on their citizenship, some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Switzerland for a short stay (category C visa). It is the applicant's responsibility to comply with this requirement before arriving in Switzerland.

List of countries whose nationals require a visa: SEM website.

As a host country, Switzerland facilitates the granting of category C visas for:

  • Government delegates or any person, regardless of their passport type, who has been invited by name to take part in a conference, meeting or official negotiations organised in Geneva by international organisations with which Switzerland has a headquarters agreement (group 1).
  • Government delegates on official mission or short-term assignments within an international organisation (max. 90 days).

Switzerland has introduced a facilitated procedure for participation in international conferences and meetings. Organisations, diplomatic missions/representations and sending authorities are nonetheless expected to cooperate so that the necessary steps can be carried out within the deadlines for the administrative processing of visa applications.

For assignments lasting less than 90 days, please refer to the Guidelines on the Issuance of Identification Cards

Exemption from visa requirements:

People exempt from the visa requirement must be able to justify their stay in Switzerland in the event of a border check, however.

This means they will need a note verbale from the sending state specifying the official mission and/or a letter of invitation by name from an international organisation with a headquarters agreement for the multilateral conference the delegate is expected to attend, as well as travel medical insurance (for holders of ordinary passports).

They also have to check that their travel document (passport) is valid for at least three months after the date they plan to leave the Schengen area, and that it was issued within the last ten years.

Short stays, category C visa (Schengen visa)

Category C visas, also known as Schengen (short-stay) visas, are issued for stays of up to 90 days over a period of 180 days, for one or more entries into the Schengen area.

In relation to International Geneva:

  • As a rule, these visas are limited to the duration of the event the delegate is expected to attend
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to check the validity of their visa and authorised length of stay in the Schengen area

Duration: the authorised duration depends on the number of days already spent in the Schengen area during the previous 180 days.

Calculating remaining days: use the official SEM calculator or contact the representation that issued the visa.

How to apply for a C visa

Submitting an application

No earlier than six months before the planned date of departure and no later than 20 days before the planned date of entry into the Schengen area.

  • The first step in applying for a visa is to make an appointment with the Swiss embassy responsible for the applicant's place of residence. Visit the website of the relevant representation for a list of supporting documents, appointment times and how to submit an application.
  • It is not necessary to have all the supporting documents at the time of the appointment, but a duly completed application must be submitted by that time, otherwise it may be refused or the processing time extended.
  • Some nationalities are subject to a Schengen consultation, which can take up to two weeks once the visa application has been submitted.

In some countries, external service providers commissioned by Switzerland are responsible for registering visa applications on behalf of the Swiss authorities.

If there is no Swiss representation in the applicant's country of residence, there may be a Schengen representation agreement with another Schengen member state, authorising the latter to receive and process visa applications on Switzerland's behalf. In this case, the representing state will determine which documents are required, what time limits apply as well as making the final decision on each application. Due to the principle of non-interference, the Swiss mission is not in a position to intervene with other Schengen states.

Documents required for the C visa

  • Schengen visa application form completed and signed.
  • Valid passport (travel document recognised by Switzerland, valid for at least three months after the planned departure date, and issued within the last ten years).
  • A recent passport-size photograph.
  • Letter of invitation by name from the organisation which has a headquarters agreement with Switzerland (including the applicant's exact name, the purpose and duration of their visit, and whether the inviting party will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and other related expenses).
  • Note verbale from the sending state (for government members only).
  • Proof of travel health insurance with a minimum EUR 30,000 cover valid in the Schengen area (only for holders of ordinary passports).
  • Valid residence permit or equivalent document (if applicable) guaranteeing return to country of residence.

The embassy or consulate may ask for additional documents (e.g. hotel and flight reservations). Incomplete applications may cause delays in processing; in some cases, this may result in the visa not being issued in time for the planned date of travel.

Follow-up and finalisation

  • Please contact the Swiss representation concerned to find out how long it will take to process your application.
  • Collect your visa once it has been issued.
  • Check that all the information on the visa is correct before travelling.
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure, before departure, that the visa covers the whole duration of their planned stay.

Please note that border control authorities may question third-country nationals about the purpose of their stay and their financial means. Entry into Switzerland may be refused if the person does not have sufficient financial means or does not provide any information about the purpose and location of their stay. Proof of financial means includes cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards or other guarantees (e.g. a bank guarantee). Third-country nationals financing their stay in Switzerland themselves must prove that their resources amount to at least CHF 100 per day (CHF 30 for holders of a valid student card).

Useful resources

3.Taking up employment and family reunification (long stay)

Who requires a long-stay visa (D visa)?

Depending on their citizenship, some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Switzerland for a long stay (category D visa). It is the applicant's responsibility to comply with this requirement before arriving in Switzerland.

List of countries whose nationals require a visa: SEM website.

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

Type D visas are known as national visas and are issued for stays of more than 90 days in line with the domestic regulations of each Schengen country.

They are issued in accordance with individual countries' rules and procedures. A type D visa is usually issued for the purposes of taking up employment or family reunification.

As a host state, Switzerland facilitates the granting of category D visas for persons appointed or recruited by international organisations that benefit from a privileged status in line with headquarters agreements, tax agreements, agreements on status or privileges and immunities, or by permanent missions established in Geneva.

For persons whose stay in Switzerland will be regulated with an FDFA legitimation card, please consult the guidelines regarding the issuance of FDFA legitimation cards, which also contain information on the visa process.

A D visa is also granted for cases of family reunification, if the family members meet the conditions or if the type of employment contract allows for family reunification.  For ascendants, applications must be submitted to the Swiss mission before applying for a visa (see Section 2.6 of the guidelines or Section 2.4 of the adoption guidelines)

How to apply for a D visa

Submitting an application

Visit the website of the relevant representation for a list of supporting documents, appointment times and how to submit an application.

Documents required for the D visa

  • Long-stay visa application form (completed and signed)
  • Valid passport (valid for at least three months after the planned departure date, issued within the last ten years and containing at least two blank pages).
  • Two recent passport-size photographs
  • Letter of appointment or note verbale from the sending state or employment contract from the inviting organisation including full job details and applicant's last and first name as shown on their passport.

The Swiss representation may request additional documents.

Travel within Schengen area

In line with Swiss legislation, holding a type D visa or FDFA legitimation card means that the number of days allowed for a short stay (type C Schengen visa – maximum 90 days in any 180-day period) is suspended.

As a result, holders of an expired type D visa or expired FDFA legitimation card, provided they are not required to obtain a short-stay visa, may remain in Switzerland for another 90 days without engaging in remunerated activity.

If the holder of the expired visa/legitimation card wishes to travel to another Schengen member state however, they must first contact the relevant authorities of that country (e.g. their diplomatic mission or consular post in Switzerland) to check whether and under what conditions such a stay or transit may be authorised.

Documents required when crossing an external border or travelling within the Schengen area:

  • Valid travel document (passport recognised in the Schengen area):
  • Validity: at least three months after the planned departure date from Switzerland
  • Last issued: within the last ten years
  • A residence permit (an FDFA legitimation card is equivalent to a residence permit) or a type C or D visa covering the period of travel.

Rights granted to holders of an FDFA legitimation card (residence permit)

Rights granted:

  • Entering and travelling within the Schengen area.
  • Duration: up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without gainful employment.
  • Access: FDFA legitimation card serves as the residence permit.

Essential requirements:

  • Legitimation card AND passport must be valid for the whole planned stay.
  • Must be presented at Schengen external borders or when boarding a flight in a non-EU country. If the card has expired or cannot be presented by the holder, they may be refused entry or deported.

We recommend printing out the official list of recognised residence permits(Schengen Manual, Annex 20, Part II, pages 62-73), available on the SEM website to present to the migration authorities if necessary.

If the migration authorities do not recognise the FDFA legitimation card, they can contact Geneva airport's international security police:

  • 📞 +41 22 427 58 33 (7/7 from 8 am to 9.30 pm)
    📞 +41 22 427 92 20 (24 hours a day)

Useful resources

4. Visiting an FDFA legitimation cardholder in a private capacity

Remit

Requests for private visits to persons residing in Switzerland within the framework of International Geneva are governed by ordinary law and fall within the remit of the SEM or the Swiss representations abroad.

Procedure

The inviting party sends the note verbale or letter of invitation to the representation responsible for the applicant's place of residence, which will require the following documents:

  • Letter of invitation from the FDFA legitimation cardholder specifying their relation to the applicant (family or other) and that they will cover the costs of the applicant's stay and return.
  • Copy of both sides of the FDFA legitimation card of the inviting party
  • Visa application for the applicant(s) (with passport photo)
  • Travel document and photocopy of travel document of applicant(s)
  • Booking/flight itinerary
  • Travel health insurance

Persons invited by an FDFA legitimation cardholder are not required to submit a declaration of sponsorship form approved by the local authorities at their place of residence.

5. Guests of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Remit

The processing of visa applications from people invited to Switzerland by an NGO falls under the SEM's remit. Neither the Swiss mission nor the FDFA is responsible for processing requests for delegates invited by NGOs based in Switzerland.

The Swiss mission does provide the following general information:

It is the responsibility of each delegate to contact the relevant representation as soon as their departure date is known (but no earlier than six months before said date), in order to make an appointment to submit their visa application.

Recommendations for host NGOs

To make it easier to process your request:

  • Issue clear, personalised invitations, stating the date and location of the event.
  • Ensure that participants request an interview with the representative responsible for their place of residence as soon as possible.
  • Emphasise the importance of making an appointment as soon as possible and submitting a duly completed application.
  • Prepare the visa applicant for the interview: applicants must be able to explain the purpose of their stay in Switzerland.

Procedure

Deadlines

  • Once the departure date for Switzerland is known: the visa applicant should contact the relevant representation to make an appointment to submit their application, even if they do not yet have all the supporting documents.
  • Minimum 20 days before: the appointment must be made at least 20 days before the departure date (processing time is around 15 days once the application has been submitted).

Submitting an application

  • Visit the website of the relevant representation for a list of supporting documents, appointment times and how to submit an application.
  • The application can only be examined if it has been duly completed on submission.
  • It is not necessary to have all the supporting documents at the time of the appointment, but the applicant must attend in person with a duly completed application.

In some countries, external service providers commissioned by Switzerland are responsible for registering visa applications on behalf of the Swiss authorities. If there is no Swiss representation in the applicant's country of residence, there may be a Schengen representation agreement with another Schengen member state, authorising the latter to receive and process visa applications on Switzerland's behalf. In this case, the representing state will determine which documents are required, what time limits apply as well as making the final decision on each application.

Documents required for the C visa

To prepare between six months and 20 days before the planned departure date.

  • Schengen visa application form completed and signed.
  • Valid passport (travel document recognised by Switzerland, valid for at least three months after the planned departure date, and issued within the last ten years).
  • Valid residence permit or equivalent document (e.g. an exit/return visa) allowing the applicant to return to their country of residence.
  • Two recent passport photos
  • A letter of invitation from the inviting NGO in Switzerland (including the applicant's exact first and last name, purpose and duration of their visit, and whether the inviting party will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and other expenses associated with the visit)
  • Proof of the applicant's financial resources: recent payslip and certified bank statement
  • Proof of health and repatriation insurance valid for Schengen states with a minimum EUR 30,000 cover
  • Hotel reservation
  • Flight reservation, including return
  • For employees: a certificate from the employer stating the applicant's job title, basic monthly salary and duration of employment, and confirming that the applicant will return to work after their stay in Switzerland. For self-employed persons: proof of registration in the commercial register

The embassy or consulate may ask for additional documents. Incomplete applications may cause delays in processing; in some cases, this may result in the visa not being issued in time for the planned date of travel.

Follow-up and finalisation

  • Please contact the Swiss representation concerned to find out how long it will take to process your application.
  • Collect your visa once it has been issued.
  • Check that all the information on the visa is correct before travelling.

Useful resources

6. UN laissez-passer

The UN laissez-passer (UNLP) is a document recognised by Switzerland that facilitates entry into Switzerland for UN officials:

  • Visa exemption for Switzerland (less than 90 days): a valid UNLP allows the holder entry into Switzerland without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days per 180-day period, regardless of the intended purpose of the stay.
  • Taking up employment (for more than 90 days): If you plan to take up employment for more than 90 days, you must obtain a D visa.
  • Travel to other Schengen states: if the UNLP holder needs to transit or stay in another signatory state to the Schengen Agreement, they must contact the representation of said state to check whether they require a visa and whether it is possible to enter without a national passport.
  • Exemption from travel health insurance: UNLP holders are exempt from the requirement to provide proof of travel health insurance as they are already covered under the UN.

7. NEW: Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS travel authorisation

As of 12 October 2025 the EU has been progressively deploying a new entry/exit System (EES), a European control system for the external borders of the Schengen area designed to modernise border management, increase security and make border controls more effective via digitalisation. The EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of Schengen countries from 10 April 2026.

This will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is due to come into force at the end of 2026. Neither the FDFA nor the Swiss mission to the UN is responsible for processing applications relating to the EES and ETIAS systems. The implementation of these European systems at Switzerland's borders falls under the SEM's remit.

If you have any specific questions about the introduction and application of the EES, please email the SEM at sektion-grenze@sem.admin.ch, or call them on +41 58 469 70 99 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm).

EES

The EES is a new border management system that allows non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for a short stay (max. 90 days within a 180-day period) to be registered each time they cross the external borders of the 29 Schengen area countries.

Starting on 12 October 2025, the EES is being gradually rolled out over a period of six months at the external borders of all Schengen area countries, including Switzerland. These countries are free to introduce the various EES elements step by step, including the collection of biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. During this gradual roll-out, passports will continue to be stamped as usual.

Once the roll-out is complete, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points (April 2026). What data is collected in the EES?

  • Travel document details
  • Date and place of each Schengen entry/exit
  • Facial image and fingerprints (biometrics)
  • If entry has previously been refused

Which countries' nationals must be registered in the EES?

The EES concerns all third-country nationals, regardless of whether they require a short-stay visa for the Schengen area or not.

There are exemptions from EES data capture for certain categories of people however.

EES exemptions (non-exhaustive list)*

Exemptions EES

*Exhaustive list: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/fr/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply#ees-does-not-apply-to

Holders of diplomatic or service passports who do not meet one of the above exceptions must be registered in the EES in accordance with the Schengen rules in force.

Useful resources for the EES

SEM contact for questions about the EES:

ETIAS

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorisation system to be introduced by the EU at the end of 2026.

It will be compulsory for third-country nationals who do not need a short-stay visa (< 90 days out of 180 days) for the Schengen area.

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorisation that must be obtained in advance (online, via the official website or dedicated application). It is linked to the travel document provided and is valid for three years or until the travel document expires (if sooner). If the travel document is changed, a new ETIAS travel authorisation must be requested.

It costs EUR 20 and is usually processed within a few minutes, although some requests may take longer. In such cases, you will receive a decision within four days unless the period is extended by up to 14 days – if additional information or documents are requested – or by up to 30 days if you are called for an interview. You should therefore apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned trip.

ETIAS exemptions

Certain categories of travellers are not required to obtain an ETIAS.

The following is a  non-exhaustive list*

Exemptions EAS

*Please note that depending on nationality, government passport holders may still be required to obtain a visa even if they do not need to provide an ETIAS.

An exhaustive list can be found on the EU website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/who-should-apply#who-needs-an-etias-travel-authorisation

Useful resources for the ETIAS

8. FAQs

  • Where do I submit my visa application?
  • What is the difference between an official visa and an ordinary visa?
  • Do I need flight confirmation?
  • Who is exempt from ETIAS or the EES?
  • What should I do if my application is rejected?
  • How long does it take?

9. 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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Contact

Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva
Rue de Varembé 9–11 (6ème étage)
P.O. Box 194
Switzerland - 1211 Geneva 20