From the 5th of April 2010 new visa application forms will be available. These comprise a new application form for Schengen visa (English-Arabic) and a National (Type D) visa application form for long-term stays (more than three months) in Switzerland subject to authorization (e.g. gainful employment, family reunification). From this date it is also requested that applicants apply in person. 

Implementation of collection of biometric data’s 

From October 11th, 2011 the visa section of the Swiss Embassy has to collect biometric data’s of all visa applicants older than 12 years. The collection of biometric data’s gives a better protection from misusing of personal dates by other persons. Our section will take fingerprints and scan the photo of the applicants, which will be saved in the central database in Strasbourg. All Schengen member states have access to the new information system. The implementation of collection of biometric data’s will not change the visa application process. However as there is an additional work process involved with taking fingerprints it could come to slight delays. From this date on (October 11th, 2011) it is absolutely necessary that applicants apply in person! Visa applications will not be accepted on the submission day if the applicants are not personally present! If the biometric data’s can’t be taken because the person himself/herself is not present than a new appointment must be made through the Call-Center! No exceptions can be made!

Booking an appointment

Egyptian citizens who wish to travel to Switzerland must obtain a visa. Visa applicants are required to book an appointment in order to file their visa application. You will find the Call Centre information under Contact on the top right side of this page.

Application form

Visa applications must be presented to the Swiss Embassy in Cairo during the opening hours of the visa section (Sunday-Wednesday 08:00-10:30). Application forms can also be downloaded from this webpage (see Download column on the right). Visa forms must be filled in either in German, French, Italian or English. In accordance with the agreement of November 6th, 1963 between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein Swiss entry regulations also apply to applications to enter the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The application form shall be duly filled in all its parts and accompanied by the documentation required. Applications incomplete, not properly filled, and/or with missing or faulty documentation (including compliance with photo requirements) will not be accepted.

Fees

Adults: € 60. - to be paid in EGP
Children (6 to 12 years old): € 35.- to be paid in EGP
Children under 6 years: Free

The visa fee has to be paid in cash, in Egyptian Pounds, when handing in the application. The Embassy reviews periodically the rate of exchange to keep the fee in line with its correspondent Euro equivalent. The fee will not be reimbursed if the visa is refused. 
Each application is checked individually and no guarantee can be given that a visa will be issued. The Embassy cannot be held responsible for costs involved when a visa is refused. Please note that in certain cases the application has to be submitted to the authorities in Switzerland. In this case it may take up to 12 weeks until a decision is given to the Embassy.

Important information

Due to the mandatory Schengen consultation of visa requests from citizens of Egypt and several other countries the passports can be collected only after 11 working days from the date in which the visa application has been submitted and accepted by the visa officer. Applicants are invited to apply early; visa can be applied three month prior the entry date to Switzerland, because no exceptions can be made from this rule! Notification of refusal will be handed out to the applicant only.

The Embassy recommends that when you travel carry with you copies of the documents (e.g. letters of invitation, bookings, insurance policy) which you enclosed with your visa application. This will help to make the border control procedure easier and avoid delays at the border.

 Integration Office
 Federal Office for Migration