Jump to Section 

Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Switzerland.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

Tourist Visa

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Consulate

Cape Town:

Durban:

Embassy

Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria:

VFS Application Centre:

Pretoria:

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181

Cape Town:

  • Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

  • Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91 -123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4000

 

WEATHER

Switzerland experiences a diverse range of climates, from temperate in the lowlands to alpine in the mountains. Winters can be cold with significant snowfall in the Alps, while summers are generally mild to warm.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Switzerland is a delightful time as the snow begins to melt, revealing lush valleys and blooming alpine flowers. Temperatures gradually rise from around 8°C in March to 18°C in May, making it ideal for scenic hikes, lakeside strolls, and exploring cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne. Some ski resorts at higher altitudes may still offer late-season skiing in March.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is warm and vibrant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C in most areas. It’s the perfect season for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and lake swimming. The Alps offer cool mountain air and picturesque trails, while cities host lively festivals and open-air events. This is also the busiest tourist season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees crisp air and colourful landscapes as the leaves change to shades of red and gold. Temperatures fall from around 20°C in early September to 5°C by November. It’s a quieter time for travel, ideal for wine tasting in regions like Valais, or experiencing traditional alpine culture in smaller villages.
  • Winter (December to February): Switzerland turns into a winter wonderland with snow-covered mountains and festive charm. Temperatures vary from -5°C to 5°C depending on the altitude. World-renowned ski resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier attract winter sports enthusiasts. Cities sparkle with Christmas markets and cosy atmospheres.
  • Best Time to Travel: The best times to visit Switzerland are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for nature and outdoor activities, while winter is ideal for skiing and festive experiences.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Switzerland
Capital City: Bern
International Airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL)
Area: 41,290 square kilometres
Population: 8.7 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET; UTC+1)
Central European Summer Time (CEST; UTC+2 during daylight saving time)
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), with a growing secular population
Language: Four official languages:
– German
– French
– Italian
– Romansh
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Exchange Rate: Approximately 1 CHF ≈ 20.44 ZAR (rates fluctuate)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Widely accepted in most establishments
ATM Accessibility: Widely available throughout the country
Dialling Code: +41

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz.
Type C and Type J plugs
Water: Tap water is safe to drink
Business Hours: Business Offices: Generally, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break around noon
Shops: Typically, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; closed on Sundays except for some larger stores in tourist areas
Banking Hours: Generally, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Photography Restrictions: No specific restrictions, but be respectful of privacy and sensitive areas
Tipping: Service charge is usually included; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (5-10% is common if exceptional service is provided)
Vaccination Requirements: No specific vaccination requirements, but standard vaccinations should be up to date
Dress Code Restrictions: Casual to smart casual; dress is generally conservative, especially in professional settings
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Punctuality: Being on time is highly valued and expected
– Quietness: Swiss people appreciate a quieter atmosphere, especially in public transport and public spaces
– Recycling: Strict recycling and waste separation rules; adhere to local guidelines for waste disposal

FESTIVALS

  • Fasnacht (Carnival): Held in Basel and other cities, featuring parades, masks, and vibrant celebrations
  • Montreux Jazz Festival: A renowned music festival held in Montreux in July
  • Locarno Film Festival: An annual film festival in Locarno showcasing international cinema
  • Geneva International Motor Show: Held in Geneva, it’s a major event for the automotive industry

MAP

“You go to a place for a visit and deep in your heart you think that this place can be your own home, and Zurich is such a place!”

– Mehmet Murat Ildan