ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To visit Switzerland, South African citizens need a Schengen visa, which means they must apply for a visa before traveling; this visa is required for both tourism and business purposes, and your passport should be valid for at least 3 months past your travel dates.

VISA INFORMATION

Schengen Visa Application Requirements

  • Completed Application Form:

Fill out the “Common Schengen Application Form” in capital letters and sign it.

Available for free download from consular websites or at consular offices.

  • Passport:

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day in the Schengen area.

Issued within the last 10 years.

Must have two blank pages for the visa.

Note: Temporary South African passports are generally not accepted by most Schengen states. Confirm their acceptability beforehand.

  • Photographs:

Provide two recent color passport-sized photographs.

  • Residence Permit:

If not a South African citizen, provide a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your last day in the Schengen area.

  • Visa for Final Destination:

Obtain any required visa for your final country of destination before applying for a Schengen visa, if applicable.

  • Visa Fee Payment:

Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.

  • Travel Itinerary:

Submit a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen state, including dates and flight numbers.

Some consulates may require the original ticket upon visa collection (verify with the relevant consulate).

  • Proof of Funds:

Show evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay (e.g., a bank statement from the past three months).

The required amount varies by country—confirm with the consulate. Cash is not accepted as proof.

  • Travel Insurance:

Provide a one-page document confirming Schengen Travel Medical Insurance coverage with a minimum of Euro 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries.

  • Accommodation Proof:

Include a confirmed hotel reservation (hotel vouchers are not sufficient).

If staying with a relative or friend, provide an invitation letter from the host, a copy of their passport or ID, and possibly authentication by relevant authorities.

For prepaid tours, provide details and proof of payment to the tour operator.

  • Business Travel:

Submit an official business letter from a company in the Schengen area and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit.

For conferences, provide proof of registration and payment.

  • For Minors Under 18:

Provide an unabridged birth certificate.

If traveling alone, include certified parental consent from both parents.

If traveling with one parent, include notarized consent from the other parent.

If only one parent has guardianship, present relevant court documents.

Some consulates may require both parents to sign in their presence.

  • Additional Documentation:

The consular office may request additional documents such as proof of employment or student status, or a personal interview.

Apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit but no earlier than 3 months before the start of your visit.

Short Stay Visa: Allows up to 90 days in a 6-month period.

Long Stay Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, issued by member states based on national legislation.

All Visa Types (Transit and Short Stay): 60 Euros, payable in Rand.

Children Aged 6-12: 35 Euros, payable in Rand.

  • Note: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the current Euro/Rand exchange rate and payment methods.
  • Important Note:

Austria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands do not accept South African Temporary

VFS Global: Visa Information and Appointment Booking

Cape Town Visa Application Centre

  • Address: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street
  • Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
  • Submission Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00
  • Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:00

Durban Visa Application Centre

  • Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood
  • Business Hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 16:00
  • Submission Hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00
  • Passport Collection: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:00

Pretoria Visa Application Centre

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, First Floor, 217 Bronkhorst Street (entrance on Tram Street), Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn
  • Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
  • Submission Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00
  • Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:00
  • Phone: +27 (0) 12 425 3017 (Available 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday)

Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria

  • Address: 225 Veale Street, Parc Nouveau, New Muckleneuk
  • Phone: +27 12 452 0662 (Visa) (Please confirm telephone hours)
  • Email: pretoria.visa@eda.admin.ch

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): The weather gradually warms with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Snow may linger in higher altitudes, but lower areas enjoy milder temperatures.
  • Summer (June to August): Typically warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, though afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
  • Autumn (September to November): Temperatures cool down to between 10°C and 20°C. The weather becomes more variable, with a mix of sunny days and rain.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 7°C, depending on the region. Snow is common, especially in the mountainous areas, making it a popular time for winter sports.

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (May), summer (June to August), and early autumn (September) are generally considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

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