Switzerland visa for Turks: This is how the application works!

If you are a Turkish citizen and want to explore Switzerland in the heart of Europe, you might be wondering whether you need a visa to enter Switzerland and the other Schengen countries. In fact, a visa to enter Switzerland is required for Turkish passport holders, whether you plan to stay for a short time or long term in the Alpine nation. Looking for more information on how and where to apply for a visa in Turkey? Then follow our article and learn how to apply for a Swiss visa for Turks.

Do Turks need a visa for Switzerland?

Yes, Turkey is a third country and Turkish citizens are among the 104 third-country nationals who are currently required to obtain a visa. If you want to know more about the visa requirement in Schengen countries, check out our article “Who needs a Schengen visa” to learn about all the visa-required countries in the Schengen zone. Therefore, if you are a Turkish citizen and wish to enter Switzerland, you need a valid visa.

Why do Turks need a visa for Switzerland?

Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it has signed the Schengen Agreement, which aims for a borderless Europe. In 1985, five European countries signed the Schengen Agreement, which aimed at gradually removing border controls within Europe. Today, 27 European countries are part of the Schengen Area. In addition to 23 EU member states, the four EFTA countries (short for European Free Trade Association), which includes Switzerland, are also part of it.

For traveling to Switzerland, you need a visa called a Schengen visa for Turks. Depending on the purpose of your visit and the length of stay, there are different categories.

Swiss visa for Turks: What type of visa do I need?

If you are traveling to Switzerland as a Turkish citizen, it depends on how long and why you want to visit the Alpine nation. The two main visa categories are:

1. Schengen Visa Type C: Short-term visa for stays of up to 90 days
   The Schengen Visa Type C allows entry into Switzerland with a Turkish passport for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. Therefore, this short-term visa is mainly intended for Turks who are planning a tourist stay or a family visit to Switzerland, a short-term language stay, or participation in a conference or a sporting/cultural event.
    
2. Schengen Visa Type D: National visa for stays of more than 90 days
   The national visa is intended for Turkish citizens who wish to enter Switzerland and stay for more than 90 days. The Schengen Visa Type D is mainly for those planning to settle in the Alpine nation for a longer period—whether for studies in Switzerland, a job, family reunification, or marriage to a Swiss citizen.

Where can I apply for a Swiss visa in Turkey?

To apply for a visa for Switzerland in Turkey, you must submit your visa application to TLScontact in Istanbul or Ankara. The Swiss diplomatic missions in Turkey have appointed TLScontact as the official service provider to provide information about the visa issuance process for Switzerland, receive visa applications, and return passports to applicants after the visa process.

How can I submit my visa application at TLScontact?

To collaborate with the official service provider, you need an email address to create a TLScontact account. After creating the account, you should have information about your passport and travel dates ready. After registration, you will receive a TLScontact reference number and be asked to make an appointment at one of the centers to submit your application for the Swiss visa.

Once you have confirmed your appointment, you can submit your documents, pay the visa fee and the additional service fee to the service provider TLScontact, and you will be notified by email when your passport is ready for pickup.

What documents do I need for the visa application?

The documents you need for a Swiss visa as a Turkish citizen depend on how long you plan to stay in Switzerland and the purpose of your visit. On the websites of the Swiss Embassy in Turkey, you will find the visa application form for the Schengen Visa Type C as well as for the National Visa. Here you will also find further specifications depending on the type and duration of your planned stay, as well as information on which documents you need to submit with your visa application.

In general, you will always need the following documents for a Swiss visa for Turks:

• A passport that is no older than ten years, has at least two empty pages, and is valid for at least three months after your departure from the Schengen Area.
• Two recent, identical biometric passport photos
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements from the last three months)
• A Schengen travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000

Good to know: The Swiss diplomatic missions may request additional documents or invite you to a personal interview!

Swiss visa for Turks: Be sure to take out a Schengen health insurance!

Visa-required foreigners, such as Turkish citizens, need a Schengen visa health insurance to enter the Schengen Area. This protects the Schengen countries from unexpected costs should foreign visitors require medical care in an emergency. Without insurance coverage, such medical costs would have to be borne by the host country.

How can AXA assist with your Swiss visa?

Since there are different types of Schengen visas, AXA-Schengen has created three different health insurance policies that cover the various needs of travelers. For those on a small travel budget, there is the AXA-Schengen Low-Cost Insurance, which meets the required minimum standards set by the diplomatic missions of Schengen countries. If you want to secure yourself with extended protection, the Europe Travel Health Insurance is perfect for you. If you travel to Switzerland or the Schengen Zone multiple times a year, then the AXA-Schengen Multi Trip Annual Insurance is ideal for your needs!

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FAQ: Switzerland Visa for Turks

How do I write an invitation for a foreign guest?

If you are inviting a visa-required guest to Switzerland, you must draft an invitation letter for your guest. For the Switzerland visa invitation letter, it's less about the form and more about the content. Make sure you provide complete information about yourself and the visit — also mention the duration of the stay and the reason for the invitation.

Where can I get a template for the invitation letter for Switzerland?

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has specifically published a brochure that explains the details for an invitation letter for a tourist visa to Switzerland.

Why do you need a declaration of commitment?

A declaration of commitment is required when you invite a guest from a visa-required third country who cannot financially support their stay on their own.