Skip to content
VisaGuideline
Menu

Switzerland

Switzerland visa

Europe · Western Europe

In Switzerland, entry falls under the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The SEM states that it does not issue visas: it is the Swiss representations abroad that issue or refuse them. A Schengen visa (type C) application is filed online through the official visa portal or directly with the Swiss representation responsible for the place of residence; the national visa (type D) is applied for in writing or with that representation.

Updated on 11 October 2026 · Official sources consulted on 17 September 2026

At a glance

Authority
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), Federal Department of Justice and Police
Submission channel
Official online visa portal (swiss-visa.ch) or the Swiss representation responsible for the place of residence, as read
Electronic visa
Not stated on the portal consulted; the SEM refers to an online application portal, which is distinct from an electronic visa

Do you need a visa?

Burundi passport: visa required for a short tourist stay.

For a short tourist stay with an ordinary passport. To work, study or stay longer, the rules are different: check your situation.

Good to know

Visa required (Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, consolidated version of 30.12.2025).

Official source: EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, Annexes I and II (consolidated version of 30.12.2025)EUR-Lex — Règlement (UE) 2018/1806, annexes I et II (version consolidée du 30.12.2025) (new tab) Verified on 24 September 2026

All destinations for this nationality

VisaGuideline helps you prepare your application. The decision belongs to the country’s authority: check the official page before paying or applying.

Switzerland visa: who needs one?

Based on the verified entry rules, for a short tourist stay with an ordinary passport.

Visa exemption 83

List of nationalities

Visa required 104

List of nationalities

Information not available 7

List of nationalities

A nationality missing from this list does not establish a visa exemption. Consult the official authority.

Documented visa types

Schengen visa (type C)
The SEM describes it as the visa for short stays in the Schengen area, up to three months in a six-month period; the FAQ states up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Official page (new tab)
National visa (type D)
The SEM describes it as the visa for long stays in Switzerland, of more than three months, subject to authorization. Official page (new tab)

Where and how to apply

The SEM states: "The SEM does not issue visas. Swiss representations abroad are responsible for issuing and refusing visas." The "Entry" section refers to the official visa portal www.swiss-visa.ch for where and how to file an application.

According to the SEM's FAQ, a category C visa application must be filed online using the form provided, or directly with the Swiss representation responsible for the place of residence. A category D visa application is filed in writing using the form, or directly with that same representation.

Steps in the procedure

  1. Determine the visa category: type C for a short stay, type D for a stay of more than three months subject to authorization.
  2. Complete the corresponding form: "Schengen visa application form" or "National (type D) visa application form".
  3. File the application online or with the Swiss representation responsible for the place of residence.
  4. File the application within the window indicated by the SEM: at the earliest six months before the planned trip and, ideally, at least two months before departure.
  5. Pay the fee corresponding to the visa category applied for.
  6. Wait for the decision of the Swiss representation, which alone is competent to issue or refuse the visa.

Documents mentioned by the authority

The exact list depends on the visa type and on the situation; only the official page is authoritative. The items above are the entry conditions listed by the SEM on the "Entry with visa" page, and not a list of documents to attach to the form.

Stated fees and processing times

According to the portal consulted on 17 September 2026, the category C visa fee is 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged 6 to 12. For the national visa, the FAQ mentions a supplement of up to 50% of the fee.

According to that same FAQ, a decision on a category C application is as a rule taken within 15 days, a period that may exceptionally reach 30 or 60 days. For category D, the SEM states that the processing time varies with the canton and the purpose of the stay and that, as a rule, one should allow from one to several months.

After the decision

According to the SEM's FAQ, an appeal against a visa refusal is filed with the competent Swiss representation abroad, within 30 days of receiving the refusal.

The SEM confirms receipt of the appeal and requests payment of an advance on costs of 200 CHF within 30 days. The authority decides whether to grant or refuse.

Prepare your application

Frequently asked questions

Where is the application filed?

Online through the official visa portal, or directly with the Swiss representation responsible for the place of residence. The SEM states that it does not itself issue visas.

What is the difference between the C visa and the D visa?

The SEM presents the category C visa for short stays in the Schengen area and the category D visa for stays of more than three months in Switzerland, subject to authorization.

How much does the Schengen visa cost?

According to the FAQ consulted on 17 September 2026, the fee is 90 EUR for adults and 45 EUR for children aged 6 to 12.

What can be done in the event of a refusal?

The SEM states that an appeal is filed with the competent Swiss representation within 30 days of receiving the refusal, with an advance on costs of 200 CHF requested thereafter.

Free, with or without an account

Without an account, get the document list for your situation. With a free account, tick off your documents, track your progress and come back to your case at any time.

Get my document list Create a free account I already have an account