Planning a trip to Switzerland sounds exciting, until you realise you need a visa. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, and you need a Schengen visa Type C before travelling there as a tourist.
This guide will walk you through every single step, from the documents needed for a Switzerland tourist visa to the cost of a Switzerland tourist visa, and a step-by-step process on how to apply for a Switzerland tourist visa.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Schengen Type C visa to visit Switzerland as a Nigerian, and you must apply through VFS Global in Lagos or Abuja before you travel.
- The total cost of a Switzerland tourist visa is around €110 (₦175,500) for adults, and €65 (₦104,000) for children aged 6–12, covering both the embassy fee and VFS service charge, and this fee is non-refundable.
- Your application needs strong proof of ties to Nigeria, like a job, business, and solid bank statements to show the embassy you will return home after your trip.
- To apply for the Switzerland tourist visa, you will need documents like a valid Nigerian passport, a completed Schengen application form, 2 passport photographs, travel insurance, bank statements, proof of accommodation, and a cover letter.
What is a Switzerland Tourist Visa?
A Swiss tourist visa is a Schengen visa that lets you enter Switzerland for tourism, leisure, or to visit your friends and family for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
It doesn’t allow you to work or study, more like I am just here to visit and go back to Nigeria.
Do Nigerians need a Switzerland Tourist Visa?
Yes, as a Nigerian citizen, you 100% need a Switzerland tourist visa before you travel, because Nigeria is not on the Schengen visa-free list, which means no visa, no entry.
To travel to Switzerland, you have to apply for a Swiss tourist visa through the VFS Global application centre in Abuja or Lagos, where they handle Switzerland visa submissions.
Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
The Switzerland tourist visa requirements will be split below into general documents and additional documents to be provided for minors, according to the VFS Switzerland tourist visa checklist.
Documents to be submitted
- Valid Nigerian international passport
- One Schengen application form
- 2 recent passport photographs
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of employment or ties to Nigeria
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
- Cover letter
- Bank statements
- Proof of visa fee payment
Documents for Minors (under the age of 18 years old)
- Schengen visa application form signed by both parents/legal guardians
- Birth certificate
- Both parents passports
- Consent letter
- Original letter from school
- Complete lists of names (if travelling in a group)
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How to Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa from Nigeria (step by step)
The step-by-step process for applying for the Swiss tourist visa from Nigeria starts from filling out the form to waiting for the embassy’s decision.
Missing a step below can cause your Switzerland tourist visa to be rejected.
Step 1: Fill out the Switzerland tourist visa application form
Go to the Switzerland tourist visa application form PDF, click on Schengen visa application form, and click on the language you want the form in.
It will automatically download, print it out, and then fill it out with a black or blue pen.
Make sure every part is filled and answer, cross-check your details, and make sure they match one another.
Step 2: Book an Appointment
To book an appointment, go to VFS Global, click on Book Now, create an account using your email, activate your account, then click on “Schedule Appointment”.
Now select your details, add yourself as an applicant, then click “Continue”, pay the VFS service fee, and then a confirmation email will be sent to you.
Gather all your documents and prepare for your physical interview.
Step 3: Attend your physical appointment
Arrive at the VFS application centre early with your documents, and arrange them according to the VFS Switzerland tourist visa checklist.
Your documents, biometrics, and photograph will be taken, and you will then be asked to pay for your Switzerland tourist visa fee.
NOTE:
Some applicants might be called for an interview or additional documents.
Step 4: Wait for the Embassy’s decision
Once your application gets to the Swiss embassy, it takes 15 working days, which can be longer in some cases. This is why it is advisable to apply early.
Step 5: Track your application
After submission, your application will be reviewed. You can go to VFS Global to track your Switzerland visa application status.
The Swiss visa process usually takes a few weeks. Once a decision is made, you will be informed to collect your passport.
Switzerland Tourist Visa Cost in Nigeria
Before you apply, you need to know exactly how much the Swiss tourist visa fee will cost you, because once you pay the money, it is gone, whether your visa gets approved or not.
The Swiss Schengen visa fee is made up of two different charges: the embassy visa fee and the VFS service fee.
The embassy visa fee for adults is €90 ( approx. ₦143,500), for children aged 6 – 12 it is €45 (approx ₦72.000), and for children below 6 years old it is free.
The VFS charges are approximately €20 (approx. ₦32,000), and are to be paid by all age ranges.
NOTE:
The exchange rate is not fixed, and the fees are non-refundable.
Switzerland Tourist Visa Processing Time
Once your documents reach the Swiss embassy, the standard Switzerland tourist visa processing time is 15 working days, but it can stretch to 30 days or more due to reasons like
- incomplete documents
- A lot of applications are made during the summer (June – August) or in December.
In some cases, you may also be called for an interview, which adds to the days.
Is Switzerland Tourist Visa Easy to Get?
Yes, but it depends on how strong your application is on paper. The embassy is not trying to reject you, but they just want proof that you will come back to Nigeria after your trip.
You can make your Swiss tourist visa easy by giving strong bank statements, having a job or business in Nigeria.
A complete and consistent documents that tell the same story.
Can I convert a Swiss tourist visa to a work permit?
No, you cannot directly convert a Switzerland tourist visa into a work permit.
The tourist visa only allows short stays for tourism. If you find a job, you will have to come back to Nigeria, then start the Switzerland work visa application from Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get a Swiss tourist visa, you have to start by filling out the Switzerland tourist visa application form PDF, book an appointment with the VFS Global, attend your physical interview to submit your documents, and also pay for your visa fee, wait for a decision from the embassy, and then track your application.
On a Swiss Schengen visa, you can only stay up to 90 days in any 180‑day period in Switzerland and the whole Schengen area.
The Switzerland visa fee in Nigeria for adults is €90 ( approx. ₦143,500), for children aged 6 – 12 it is €45 (approx ₦72.000), and for children below 6 years old it is free.
The VFS charges are approximately €20 (approx. ₦32,000), the price depends on the exchange rate at the time you are applying for your visa.
The documents needed for your Switzerland tourist visa are a valid Nigerian international passport, one Schengen application form, 2 recent passport photographs, Proof of funds, travel health insurance, proof of employment or ties to Nigeria, proof of accommodation in Switzerland, a cover letter, and proof of visa fee payment.
Conclusion
By now, you should clearly understand the requirements, the cost of Switzerland tourist visa, the processing time, and the exact steps to apply successfully.
The gist is not that long: just prepare your documents properly, be honest in case you are called for an interview, and apply early to avoid delay.
If you follow the guide, the chances of getting your visa become much higher.
If you need help with your application, document review, or visa guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Visa ng today. Let’s get your Swiss tourist visa approved without stress.
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