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Application Information

Visa Application Process

Please follow these steps in order to apply for a Schengen visa or national D visa.

Switzerland must be your main travel destination.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BRITISH CITIZENS

UK citizens do not require an entry visa for Switzerland, neither for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen Area) nor for long stays (over 90 days).

However, as of January 1, 2021, the application process and conditions to be fulfilled for Swiss residence, student and work permits for UK citizens have changed. All queries about obtaining the necessary permit for living, studying and working in Switzerland must be addressed directly to the responsible cantonal immigration and labour market authorities and not to the Embassy.

Important Information for holders of British Travel Documents (Convention of 28 July 1951 and Convention of 28 September 1954)

This category of travelers do not need a visa for short stays in Switzerland up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are planning on entering the Schengen area through another Schengen state, please check with their respective authorities, whether they have the same entry requirements.

How to create
your TLScontact account

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Read the different steps below
to correctly submit your visa application at the TLScontact centre.

purpose

Step 1: Choose your travel purpose

Read the list of documents which need to be submitted with your visa application based on your travel purpose and prepare the documents carefully. Please always choose the correct travel purpose.

form

Step 2: Create your TLScontact Account

Create an account on our TLScontact site by entering your personal email address and password.

account

Step 3: Personal Data Input

The system will prompt you to enter some personal details in order to correctly process your specific visa application. If you are a member of a group of people applying for a visa together, please indicate on your application the names of those accompanying you.

appointment

Step 4: Online Appointment Booking

Choose a date and time of your convenience to submit your application at our Visa Application Centre. Do not forget to print out your notification as it will be required at our welcome area.
Note: The service fee payment will be "online".
The visa fee has to be paid in GBP by debit or credit card (American Express cards are not accepted) in TLScontact Visa Centres.

appointment

Step 5: Prepare Your Application Materials

Do not forget to print and complete the Schengen form which corresponds to your application and visa type. Be sure to complete the form in black ink and in capital letters. The form should be signed by the applicant in person, the representative for document submission has no right to sign on form.

passeport

Step 6: Application Submission

Once you have checked in with our welcome desk, you will be directed to a counter where a TLScontact agent will verify the presence and compliance of all of your required documentation. You will be given a follow-up form indicating which documents have been submitted and which are missing, if any. If your file is complete, it will be sent to the Embassy for processing.

Afterwards, you will pay the visa and service fees (if applicable).

Please note that your visa application must be filed in person at the visa centre unless you are exempt from biometrics.
Biometrics Exemption Cases :

  • Children under 12 years of age;
  • Applicants who have already obtained a Visa bearing the endorsement (VIS) in the last 59 months.

It is imperative that you arrive on time for your appointment, with your appointment confirmation and the required documents for your visa application.

form

Step 7: Passport Collection

After the Swiss Diplomatic mission has made a decision on your visa application, your passport will be returned to the Visa Application Centre. You will be notified by SMS as soon as the passport arrives.

You can collect your passport in person or by a representative.

Collection in person with:

  • Your Application Checklist;
  • Your Original Photographic ID;
  • Copy of Your Photographic ID.

Collection by representative with:

  • Your Application Checklist;
  • Copy of Your Photographic ID;
  • Representative’s Original Photographic ID;
  • Copy of Representative’s Photographic ID;
  • Letter of authorization signed by you (clearly stating the representative’s details).

If you wish to have your passport returned by mail, you can purchase our Express Courier Return service during the application process in our centre.