Your complete guide to traveling abroad, from application to approval.
Initial Assessment: You need to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you're eligible to apply for it. You'll also need to know the documents that you'll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you'll have to pay. Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category. If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations prepared before applying.
Application Process: Once you are ready to apply, go to the Swiss FDFA website for more information. On their site, you can download the visa application form, complete it, print the completed form, and bring it with you to the Visa Application Centre for submission. You will also find checklists that will make it easy to know which documents to bring with you.
The following applicants will have to submit their applications directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Islamabad:
• Persons applying for a long-term visa (more than 90 days)
• Applicants who wish to appeal against a refusal from the embassy
Applicants from Pakistan and Afghanistan can apply for a short stay (Schengen) visa at the Visa Application Centers in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi. In some cases, applications can be submitted at the Embassy of Switzerland in Islamabad.
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as 'biometric information'. Once you've booked your appointment, you'll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you'll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group. Important: You should not book an appointment less than 20 days from your date of travel as the Embassy may not be able to process the application in time.
If you require any assistance in booking your appointment for a short stay (Schengen) visa to the Embassy of Switzerland, call us on 051 8485836 or mail us at infoswitzerland@gerrys.com.pk
Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you are applying online for your visa, your payment will be made as part of this process. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made at the time of your appointment.
(with effect from 15 July 2022):
| Visa Category | Visa Fee (PKR) | Visa Fee (Euro) |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short Term Visa | 24,500 | 80 |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-12 years) | 12,500 | 40 |
| Schengen Visa (Children up to 6 years) | gratis | gratis |
There is a service charge of PKR 6119 / EURO 19.98 levied per application in addition to the visa fees, with effect from 1 May 2023.
You'll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person. Find out What happens at the Visa Application Centre.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service. If you encounter any issues, call us on 0092 51 8485836 or mail at: infoswitzerland@gerrys.com.pk
After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee. For some Visa Application Centres your documents will only be returned via courier.
Bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your documents; they will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.
If you have lost the Gerry's Receipt that has to be furnished to collect your passport, you'll need to visit the center in person along with the below mentioned documents:
• An affidavit on stamp paper, duly attested by notary public/oath commissioner's office, mentioning the loss of the receipt
• A request statement to return the application/passport
• The statement must also mention that if the lost receipt is found/retrieved subsequently, it will not be used to claim the collected application/passport
You can collect the processed applications/passports from the Gerry's visa application centers anytime between 13:00 and 15:00 from Monday to Friday, except holidays. There are no additional fees for collection of your passport/documents after a decision has been made. If you have been asked for an additional fee for this service, please contact us at acco@vfsglobal.com
How Express Visa Facilitation can assist you?
We have been processing Switzerland visa applications for Pakistani nationals with the highest success rate.
If you don't want to risk your visa and make future applications more complex, please get in touch with us. We have an experienced pool of staff who can help you with the full process of applying for a Switzerland visa from Pakistan.
We make the complicated procedure straightforward for you.
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your profile and visa type selection.
Our experts assist you in preparing and submitting all required documents, including travel itinerary, financial documents, and visa application forms.
We provide comprehensive final submission and tracking.
Yes, most countries allow international visitors to work part-time (usually 20 hours per week) during their visit and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, specific regulations vary by country and visa type. We'll guide you through the work authorization requirements for your chosen destination.
Financial requirements vary by country but typically include proof of funds to cover travel expenses, living expenses, and return travel costs. Generally, you need to show bank statements or sponsorship letters demonstrating sufficient funds for at least one visit. We'll help you understand the specific requirements for your chosen country.
Processing times vary by country and individual circumstances. Generally, Switzerland visa applications take 4-8 weeks for most countries, but some may take longer during peak seasons. We recommend starting the application process at least 3-4 months before your intended start date to ensure sufficient time for processing.
Many countries allow visitors to bring their spouse and dependent children on accompanying visas. However, regulations vary significantly by country and may require additional documentation and financial proof. We'll help you understand the family visa options available for your chosen destination and guide you through the application process.
Let our expert team guide you through every step of your Switzerland visa application process.