The visa to Switzerland from Lebanon is available to Lebanese citizens with plans to travel to Switzerland for one reason or another. This Switzerland tourist visa allows the holder to visit and stay legally in the country. This page is dedicated to the Swiss visa application process and requirements. Keep reading to learn more
Switzerland in Europe
Switzerland is a European country with a neutral political status. It doesn’t have a standing army and is not a member of the European Union. However, it has been a member of the European Economic Community and also a Schengen Union member since 2008. Switzerland has a solid economy and advanced cities; the government also maintains a very strict immigration policy, so foreign nationals must pass their stringent requirements before they can be allowed into the country.
Do Lebanese citizens Need A Visa To Enter Switzerland?
Yes, they do. Lebanon is not a member of the Schengen Union, so all citizens looking to visit Switzerland must first obtain a visa. Arriving at the airport without a visa will lead to immediate deportation.
The Switzerland Schengen Visa
The Swiss Schengen visa of Switzerland is issued by the Swiss and all countries in the European Economic Area. This visa is mostly issued for the purpose of tourism and short business visits. It is valid for 180 days but allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Already considered a Continental visa, holders can also use it to visit other fellow Schengen countries in the area instead of applying for a new visa.
Swiss National Visa
The Swiss national visa is only recognized within the Swiss border a d has a similar validity as the Schengen visa, and allows for a maximum stay of 90 days. This Swiss tourist visa is ideal for tourism, family reunification, marriage, or business visits.
Transit Visa
Lebanon passport holders who want to take connecting flights from Switzerland to another country may apply for a transit visa. This visa is valid for 3 days.
Work Visa
A work visa is for Lebanese citizens who are permitted to work in Switzerland. Before this visa is issued, the applicant must show proof that they have been employed by a business or company based in the country. Work visas have different validities depending on the nature of work.
Visa To Switzerland from Lebanon
Here are the documents you need to provide alongside your visa application form.
Lebanese Passport: You need a Lebanese passport that is not more than 10 years old. It must have at least two pages left for visa stamps.
Bank Statement: a statement of account clearly showing your name and containing sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Switzerland.
Travel Insurance: All Schengen countries, including Switzerland, require travel medical insurance to cover any medical bills you may incur during your visit. The insurance must provide a cover of at least €30,000.
Return Flight: A copy of your reserved ticket for the trip back to Lebanon. This document is to serve as proof that you have every plan to return home.
Cover Letter: This letter should provide information about your reasons for the trip and details.
Employer Letter: A letter from your employer printed on the company letter headed and signed. The letter should indicate your position and express that you have been given permission to travel.
These documents are by no means the only documents you need to apply for a visa, but they are the principal ones.
How To Apply For Switzerland Visa?
There are two application options. For long-stay visas like work visas, you must visit the Swiss embassy in Beirut to apply for the visa because extensive background checks will have to be completed. But for tourist visas, you can apply for them online via VisaHQ. Here are the steps to follow
Visit VisaHQ
Select Lebanon as your country of citizenship
Select Switzerland as your destination
Choose Tourist Visa as your visa of choice
Scan and upload your documents
Fill out the visa application form
Pay the visa application fee
Submit for approval
The visa should be sent to your email in a matter of days, provided your documents are valid, and the information is accurate.
Things To Note
Visas to Switzerland have an expiration date, so you must leave the country before yours expires. If you overstay your visit, the authorities will fine you or even jail you for immigration violations. You will eventually be deported and will not be allowed back into the country. Secondly, you must not work if you enter the country with a tourist visa, which will also be a violation. These are two key details to note before applying for a visa to Switzerland from Lebanon.