Since 12 December 2008 Switzerland is an associated member state of the Schengen agreement and hence part of the Schengen area. The Schengen regulations apply for the entry and a stay that is not subject to authorisation up to three months. For individuals who are required to hold a visa, Switzerland issues Schengen visas for a stay up to three months that are valid for the whole Schengen area.

If you are planning a journey to Switzerland or would like to invite visitors from abroad to Switzerland, the following information could be helpful to you.

The website of the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) will give you further information about your entry, stay, labour market, work, study and residence in Switzerland.

Applications for visas for citizens of Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan or residents in one of these countries may be submitted to the Visa Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Abeba from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Visa applicants have to submit the documentation to the Embassy in person.

Application forms are free of charge and can be obtained at the Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Abeba or by downloading and printing from this website or the website of the Federal Office for Migration (FOM).

Where to apply for a Schengen visa
If you plan to travel to only one Schengen country your visa application has to be submitted at the respective country’s Embassy. If you want to visit more than one Schengen country, your application must be presented at the Embassy of the country where you stay the longest time.

What if I am not a permanent resident in Ethiopia, Djibouti or South Sudan?
The Swiss Embassy in Addis Abeba is basically not competent to issue a visa, if you are not a permanent resident in Ethiopia, Djibouti or South Sudan. Exceptions can only be granted upon reasonable explanation why the visa was not applied for at the Swiss representation which is competent for your domicile.

Foreigners living in Ethiopa, Djibouti or South Sudan 
If you want to find out if you need a visa to travel to the Schengen area, please consult the website of the Federal Office for Migration (FOM).

How early can I apply for a visa?
Applicants are free to apply up to 90 days prior to their date of travel. The Swiss Embassy recommends that you apply at least 3 weeks prior to your date of travel to accommodate any unforeseen processing delays.

How long is the visa valid?
Ethiopian, Djiboutien or South Sudanese nationals who intend to travel to Schengen countries for private or business purposes may receive a Schengen visa valid for one day up to 90 days. The visa may be a single, double or multiple entry visa (category C).

In the following information sheet you will find all the visa requirements for:

• Visit
• Tourism
• Business / Training
• Medical treatment
• Official visit (UN, Government, Embassy)
• Transit visas

For other visas such as residence in Switzerland, marriage, reunification of family members, study in Switzerland etc., please contact this Embassy.

Information for South Sudanese citizens or residents in South Sudan:
The Swiss Cooperation Office in Juba assists South Sudanese citizen or residents in South Sudan in their application process for a Schengen visa by informing them about the visa requirements and sending all documents to the Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Ababa. Please note that the Swiss Cooperation Office in Juba does not decide about approvals of visa applications. Schengen visa for people living in South Sudan are issued only by the Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Ababa.

• Opening hours Visa Desk in Juba:
  Monday 14.00 - 17.00 Uhr
  Tuesday to Thursday: 9.00 - 12.00 Uhr
• Processing times:
  Schengen Visa, Type C: 4-6 weeks
  National Visa for Switzerland, Type D: 3 months