The GSA
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Country guide

Switzerland

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

None required

Schengen area

Yes

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time zones

UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). Daylight Savings from last Sunday in March – last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 41

Best time to go

Year round

Drinking water

Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement.

  • If you intend to visit only Switzerland, you must apply at the Embassy of Switzerland / Visa Application Centre.
  • If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
  • If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.

See General Schengen Visa Requirements.

In addition:

  • 1 Schengen visa application form duly filled in by computer, dated and signed.
  • MINORS: both parents must sign application form. If parents are travelling with minor, then valid Schengen visa of parents must be submitted.
  • Round trip flight reservation (do not buy ticket until visa is approved).
  • If applicable: proof of Inter-Schengen travel (car rental/flights/train and/or bus tickets).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: Note that the minimum requirement is CHF 100 (students CHF 30) per day in the Schengen area
  • Photocopy of the passport page containing the personal data.
  • Checklist must be signed

Visa application centre

VFS Global

Tel: 012 425 3017
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/che/

NOTE: No walk-ins allowed

Cape Town: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91 -123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road) Essenwood, Durban
Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, First floor, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria

Issuing authorities

Embassy of Switzerland
225 Veale Street, Parc Nouveau, New Muckleneuk, 0181
Tel: 012 452 0660
E-mail: pretoria@eda.admin.ch
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/pretoria
Mon-Fri: 09:00-12:00

Consulate General of Switzerland
Two Foreshore Place, 32nd floor, suite 3201, 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 7500
E-mail: capetown@eda.admin.ch
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/capetown
By appointment only.

Visa processing time

Usually 15 days. Applications may not be submitted more than 6 months in advance.

Visa validity

Up to 90 days over a period of 180 days.

Visa cost

Schengen Visa: EUR90 (ZAR 1800)
Minors: EUR45 (ZAR 950)
Under 6: Free
VFS Service Fee: ZAR 476

Payable in rands - fees are subject to change based on fluctuating exchange rate. Fees can be paid by debit / credit card or direct bank deposit to VFS.
All fees are non-refundable.

SA representative

South African Embassy
Alpenstrasse 29, 3006 Berne
Tel: +41(0)31 350 13 13
E-mail: [bern.consular@dirco.gov.za](bern.consular@dirco.gov.za)
Web: dirco.gov.za/berne/the-embassy

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

Aug 1 (Individual states / provinces may observe additional holidays)

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 10 June 2026