How to get a visa for Switzerland from Algeria?

Switzerland is one of the 29 member countries of the Schengen Area. Therefore, for anyone from outside this area, it is necessary to present a visa for Switzerland to stay there.

Although a visa exemption agreement applies to travelers from some countries (Mexico, Canada, etc.), the vast majority of foreign tourists need to obtain a visa before traveling to the Schengen Area. This is the case for travelers from Algeria.

A prior application must be made to obtain this visa, through a dossier that must be sent to the services dedicated to its registration. After processing the request, the Schengen visa is issued to the applicant.

Where to submit a visa application for Switzerland in Algeria?

The administrative services handling visa applications are generally managed by the consulate or embassy of the destination country. However, companies now handle the entire process, from submitting the application to issuing the personal visa.

The Swiss Embassy in Algeria

• Address: 9-11, Slimane Amirat Street (formerly Dr. Lucien Raynaud St.), El Mouradia 16070 Algiers, Algeria.
• Email: alger@eda.admin.ch
• Visa service phone: +213 21 981 028
• eda.admin.ch/countries/algeria/fr/home

Another option to retrieve your application file and schedule the appointment for submitting supporting documents is to go directly to the embassy's website: eda.admin.ch/countries/algeria/fr/home/visa/entree-ch/formular.html.

Travelers from other Maghreb countries will also have to go through the same procedures to travel to Switzerland. They can also submit their application directly through dedicated websites.

To obtain a visa for Switzerland in Morocco, this page will be helpful.

For submitting a visa application for Switzerland in Tunisia, refer to this page.

What documents must accompany a visa application for Switzerland?

Each provided document must be original. Be sure to provide all the required documents, as failure to do so may delay the processing of your file. The required documents are the same regardless of the destination within the Schengen Area or the applicant's country of origin.

• 2 recent passport-sized photos, in color, with a white or light gray background.
• A photocopy of the passport (valid beyond the period of the planned trip with at least two fully blank pages, and valid for three months after the departure date from the Schengen Area).
• A letter detailing the purpose of the trip (tourism, family visit, etc.).
• Proof of return flight reservation.
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., family accommodation, hotel reservation, etc.).
• Financial proof: bank statements from the last six (6) months + proof of financial resources to cover the stay:
  • Employee: recent work certificate or employment contract + last three pay slips + leave certificate + social security affiliation certificate or annual salary declaration from the previous year + employer's commercial register.
  • Merchant: current year's commercial register + certificate of existence + tax return + CASNOS update + tax card + management power of attorney + company statutes.
  • Self-employed: establishment decision + professional card + last annual income declaration.
  • Student: school certificate + student card + proof of parents' socio-professional status.
  • Retiree: pension certificate or bank statement (original and photocopy).
  • Unemployed: proof of current financial resources.
  • Agriculturist: agricultural operator certificate + farmer card + last annual income declaration.
• If the applicant is a minor: both parents must sign the visa application form + copy of the first page of the passport + copy of valid visas of the parents.
  • Parental consent to leave the country (exit permission from Algerian police).
  • If guardianship does not belong to the father: authorization + guardianship proof (father's death certificate or judicial ruling).
• Family record: showing the applicant’s current family situation.
• Travel insurance certificate: this coverage is mandatory to ensure the traveler's safety.

All documents in Arabic must be accompanied by a French translation. Original documents presented at the counter must be accompanied by a photocopy.

Who needs to obtain a visa to travel to Switzerland?

All travelers from Tunisia must apply for one. Regardless of age or status, the traveler must present a valid residence permit.

However, there are differences in the fee based on the applicant's age:

• Adult: 80 €.
• Child from 12 to 18 years old: 80 €.
• Child from 6 to 11 years old: 40 €.
• Child under 6 years old: free.

Although free for children under 6 years old, it is still mandatory to apply for a visa for young children. Do not forget any family members who will be traveling to Switzerland with you.

What type of visa should an Algerian national apply for if they wish to travel to Switzerland?

The type of visa depends on the duration and purpose of the trip. For example, for a stay of less than 90 days for tourism, family visit, or internship, a Type C Schengen visa should be applied for, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area.
For a stay of more than 90 days in Switzerland for purposes such as studying or family reunification, a national visa (also known as Type D) should be requested.

Where to submit a visa application for Switzerland from Algeria?

After making an appointment and knowing which documents to include in the application, the visa application must be submitted at the Swiss Embassy in Algiers. Your biometric data will also be collected if it hasn't been done before.

What is the response time for a Schengen visa application for Switzerland submitted in Algeria?

For a Type C visa (stay of less than 90 days), the processing time is a minimum of 15 days.
For a Type D visa (national visa for more than 90 days), the processing time is up to 10 weeks.