Visa Details

What is a Switzerland Visa?

The Swiss visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter Switzerland for various reasons including for tourism, business, medical travel, study, transit, or visit to friends and family. Because Switzerland is a member of the Schengen area, the visa issued is generally a Schengen visa, and thus gives the holder entry rights not only to Switzerland but also to other Schengen member states for a specific period of time.

The visa prescribes certain conditions of entry, including duration of stay, purpose of travel and validity, depending on the category applied for. By presenting the right category and full documentation, travelers can experience a hassle-free entry into Switzerland and may explore its cities, culture and picturesque landscapes without any hassle.

Who Needs Swiss Visa?

A person who is a resident in the United Arab Emirates but does not hold a UAE passport needs to get a Swiss visa. This visa is not required by people who hold a passport of the following countries:

• UAE (citizens)
• EU/EEA
• UK
• USA
• Australia (and other countries that are Schengen exempt)

If you are unsure, Al Rihla Travel will check your eligibility for you, free of charge.

Types of Switzerland Visa for UAE Residents

• Tourist Visa – For leisure travel and sightseeing. 
• Business Visa – For business meetings and corporate travel. 
• Family Visit Visa – For visiting relatives or friends. 
• Transit Visa – For short layovers through Swiss airports. 
• Student Visa – For studying in Swiss institutions. 

Documents required

• Duly filled and signed visa application form.
• Latest passport-size photo in white background.
• Original passport
• UAE resident visa
• Copy of your confirmed return flight tickets.
• Copy of your hotel booking details. If you plan to stay with your friends or family there, you must produce a letter written by them.
• Travel Insurance
• Bank statements for the last three months
• In the case of minors travelling alone, parents’ consent form is mandatory.

Switzerland Visa Application Process 

• Check the Embassy of Switzerland website and fill out the application form there. Take a printout of the filled application form and submit it at the embassy.
• After submitting the application, fix an appointment with the embassy for biometric registration. Afterwards, you will receive the Visa Appointment letter, the first step towards your visa approval. Make sure to be there at the exact time mentioned in the letter.
• Produce all the necessary documents mentioned during your visa appointment. Also, pay the visa fee.
• Check on your visa status from time to time.
• Once the embassy approves your visa, they will notify you, and you can then collect it from their office.

Where to Submit Your Visa Application in the UAE (VFS Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

Switzerland Visa for UAE Residents are now handled directly by VFS Global Dubai or Abu Dhabi. So you will have to submit your Swiss visa application to the following addresses if you are a UAE resident. With our professional help, discover how to apply for a Switzerland Visa from Abu Dhabi. We are the first stop on your Swiss holidays.

• If you are staying in the Emirates of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al-Quwain or Ajman, you need to submit your application at the VFS Global Dubai.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area and hence offers visa-free travel to the citizens of certain countries. UAE also comes under this visa-free clause. Therefore, UAE residents planning to travel to Switzerland need not have to go through lengthy tiring visa processing. Instead, you will have to carry the following documents for a hassle-free journey.

• A valid UAE passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• The letter stating your purpose of visit.
• Proof of your financial status which claims that you are financially able to take care of yourself during your stay in Switzerland.

Switzerland Visa Fees, Processing Time & Validity 

Visa Fee

The cost of this visa typically ranges from AED 330–400, depending on exchange rates and any updates to government charges. Fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to confirm the latest amount with the relevant authorities or your travel consultant. 

Visa Processing Time 

• Standard Processing: Usually completed within 10–15 working days from the date of application or biometric submission. 
• Processing times may vary depending on your profile, supporting documents, and seasonal factors. 

Visa Validity & Stay Duration

This visa generally allows: 

• Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period 
• Actual stay permitted will depend on immigration rules and the purpose of travel. 

Why Choose Al Rihla Travel for Your Switzerland Visa?

• 15+ years UAE visa expertise
• 1,000,000+ travellers served
• 350+ staff across UAE, Oman & India
• Dubai-licensed (DTCM No. 906115)
• Secure GDRFA/ICP processing
• 24/7 WhatsApp & live support