Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Switzerland?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Switzerland
Passport holders from countries without a visa-free arrangement with the Schengen Area must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Switzerland. Those intending to stay longer than 90 days or to work must obtain the appropriate visa or permit from Swiss authorities.
Checked 19 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Switzerland does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Switzerland embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Switzerland government page →
Swiss Alps
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Switzerland. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Switzerland. Passport validity: a recognised travel document issued less than ten years ago. Holders of a category C Schengen visa need it valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, and holders of a category D national visa or a residence permit need it valid until the date of departure. Bring a valid category C Schengen visa, a valid category D national visa, or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country, a recognised travel document issued less than ten years ago, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area, evidence of the purpose and the circumstances of the stay and evidence of sufficient funds for the stay and for the return or onward journey, or the lawful means to obtain them. This was last checked on 19 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Switzerland
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Passport validity
- A recognised travel document issued less than ten years ago. Holders of a category C Schengen visa need it valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, and holders of a category D national visa or a residence permit need it valid until the date of departure.
- Documents
- A valid category C Schengen visa, a valid category D national visa, or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country
- A recognised travel document issued less than ten years ago, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area
- Evidence of the purpose and the circumstances of the stay
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay and for the return or onward journey, or the lawful means to obtain them
- Conditions
- The State Secretariat for Migration does not issue visas. Swiss representations abroad issue and refuse them. Entry is also refused to anyone listed in the Schengen Information System for refusal of entry, anyone regarded as a threat to public order, internal security, public health, or the international relations of a Schengen state, and anyone under a sentence of expulsion or a measure of exclusion.
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Switzerland
Check that your travel document was issued less than ten years ago and stays valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Apply at a Swiss representation abroad, because the State Secretariat for Migration does not issue visas itself.
Gather evidence of the purpose and circumstances of the stay, and of sufficient funds for the stay and for the return or onward journey.
Carry that evidence when you travel, since the published entry conditions are checked at the border and not only at the application stage.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Switzerland
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Switzerland. This was last checked on 19 September 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Switzerland uses CHF. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →