Here is a guide on how you can apply for a Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria. Switzerland is a popular destination for tourists and is known for her beautiful scenery.
If you would like to visit Switzerland briefly to see this beautiful region, visit someone or conduct business, you should keep reading.
What is Switzerland Tourist, Visit or Business visa?
Switzerland tourist, visit or business visas all fall under Category C Visa. They are all Schengen short-stay visas. A Schengen short stay visa will allow you to travel to Schengen countries for the period your Visa is valid. This is usually for up to 90 days.
A short stay visa could allow for single entry, double entry or multiple entries. This is dependent on the type of visa you applied for and your reasons for applying.
A Switzerland tourist visa will allow you to enter Switzerland and stay in the territory for the duration of your visa. This visa is approved for people who are entering Switzerland for tourism.
A visit visa: If you are going to Switzerland to visit someone, this is the visa you should apply for. With an invitation from your host in Switzerland, you will be able to begin your visa application. Obtaining this visa will allow you to enter Switzerland and visit your host undisturbed for the period your visa is valid.
A business visa: If you are going to Switzerland for work, business, trade negotiations, and even training, you should apply for a short stay visa.
Who can Apply for Switzerland Tourist, Visit or Business Visa?
Any Nigerian who has a purpose in Switzerland and has fulfilled all the necessary requirements can apply for a Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria.
What are Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens?
Before you apply for Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria, you will need the following documents:
1- A valid international passport: Your passport should have a validity that exceeds the duration of your Schengen short stay visa by 6 months. The passport should also have 2 blank pages for your visa to be issued.
2- A filled visa application form: You should fill this form honestly. Filling this form incorrectly could result in your visa application being denied.
3- A passport photograph. The photo you use should have been taken recently.
4- A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee.
5- Letter of invitation: Regardless of if you are applying for a Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria, you must have an invitation letter.
If you are going for tourism, endeavour to get a letter from the tourism agency or tour organizers. This will prove that you have honest intentions for entering Switzerland.
If you intend to visit friends or family in Switzerland, your host will need to write an invitation. This should include their contact information too.
For visits that are business and work-related, an invitation letter from the company you will be working with is needed. If you are going to a conference, the conference organizers could provide the invitation letter.
These letters should state if your hosts are going to cover the cost of your living expenses or provide you with accommodation.
6- A letter stating your purpose in Switzerland, the duration of your stay and any other information you feel necessary.
7- A bank statement: This document should be valid and recently acquired. It should show that you have enough money available for your expenses for the period you will reside in Switzerland. You should also provide salary slips to show that you have a consistent source of income.
8- A letter from your current employer: This could be a letter granting you leave from work for a short period. This is proof that you will return to Nigeria when you are done with your visit to Switzerland.
9- Your travel itinerary or proof of flight reservation. Click HERE to reserve your flight reservation for free (Ts&Cs apply)
10- Evidence of hotel reservation for the period that you will be in Switzerland. Click HERE to reserve your hotel.
11- Proof of Schegen Travel health insurance: The insurance policy should outlast the duration of your stay in Switzerland. Also, the insurance coverage should be up to 30,000 Euro. Click HERE to order your Schegen travel medical insurance.
12- If someone else is paying for your trip to Switzerland, you will need to submit his or her bank statement, salary slips and a copy of their passport. Yow will also need a signed letter from your sponsor stating their intention to sponsor your trip and stay in Switzerland.
13- If you have been denied a United States, United Kingdom or Canadian Visa previously, you should also include the refusal letter.
You need clear photocopies of all the documents listed here.
How to Apply for Switzerland Tourist, Visit or Business Visa in Nigeria: Step by Step
1- Fill the visa application form online and pay the appropriate visa application fee.
2- Make an appointment for the submission of your documents.
3- Compile necessary documents and submit them at the embassy.
4- After submitting your documents, your biometric data will be collected. This includes your fingerprints and a documentation of your facial features.
This is the reason why you must submit your visa application in person.
5- Your visa application will then be processed and when it is ready, you will return to the embassy to retrieve your documents and passport. If you paid for the service, your documents can be sent to you via courier.
Switzerland Visa Appointment
To book a Switzerland visa appointment, email abu.visa@eda.admin.ch or call the Embassy between 2pm and 3pm from Monday to Thursday.
When you call to book an appointment, you will be asked a few questions about your proposed visit to Switzerland. After which, you will be given a date for your appointment. The embassy attends to visa appointments between 9am-12pm from Monday –Thursday.
It is important that you arrive early on the day of the appointment with the relevant documents.
FAQs on How to Apply for Switzerland Tourist, Visit or Business Visa in Nigeria
How much is Switzerland visa fee?
Applying for a Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria costs N25, 200.00. However, you should contact the embassy for a confirmation of the amount you will need to pay. This fee is not refundable and cannot be returned if your visa application is not approved.
For children under the age of 6, their application for a visa is processed free of charge.
How can I get Switzerland visa application form?
You can find the Switzerland visa application form here.
What is Switzerland visa processing time?
After applying for a Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria, it could take 2 weeks for your visa to be processed. If further checks are required, it could take up to 2 months before your application is processed. If you would like your application to get urgent attention, you should specify this before you pay the visa application fee.
Where is Switzerland embassy in Nigeria?
The Switzerland Embassy is in Abuja: 157, Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent Wuse II, Abuja. Phone Number: (+234) 810 411 99 43; Email: abu.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
The office is open from Monday to Thursday, 9am-11am for visa related appointments.
Where is Switzerland embassy in Lagos?
There is a consulate in Lagos. However, it does not handle visa applications and submissions. Below is the consulate contact information:
Consulate General of Switzerland
15 Onisiwo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Email: lagos@eda.admin.ch
Conclusion
If you plan to visit Switzerland for a brief period, we encourage you to start your application process early. You can start by reading this guide to learn how to apply for Switzerland tourist, visit or business visa in Nigeria.
If you have not taken our free visa eligibility test, we advise you take the test now in order to properly plan your application.