On 11 October 2011 the Schengen member states introduced the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS will also be used to store the biometric data (10 fingerprints and the facial image) of the visa applicants. The diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states will be gradually connected to the system region by region.

Along with the connection to the VIS on 10.05.2012 all diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states in Israel have to capture the biometric data of persons applying for a Schengen visa.

Starting from 10.05.2012 every visa client has to make an appointment prior to apply for a visa.

Please note that in the transition period between May 1st and May 9th, 2012, only urgent visa applications will be accepted. For queries call our visa section.

Click on the information leaflet of the European Union relating to the introduction of the VIS and the capture of biometric data for more details and/or consult the  link of the European Commission.

Israeli citizens holding a valid Israeli national passport are exempted from the obligation of obtaining a visa as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 6 months. This rule applies only for stays in Switzerland/ Schengen States with the purpose of tourism, visits, business consultations, short courses, summer camp, medical treatments, participation in scientific, economic, cultural, religious or sporting events, and for foreign media on a temporary assignment.

In case of travelling for any other purpose, such as work (even if unpaid), studies or residence, other regulations apply. For further information please read carefully the informations provided on this website.

Other nationals, who are legally residing in Israel, may be required to apply for a Schengen visa in order to enter Switzerland. Holders of valid Schengen visa will be allowed to enter Switzerland. For further information please check on the following website if you need a visa or not to enter Switzerland.

 Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality

Please note that 

• You have to apply for a visa at least 15 days prior the intended departure if you need a short term visa to enter Switzerland. Otherwise, your application wil not be accepted.
• This Embassy strongly advices you to deposit your application at least 12 weeks in advance if you need a long term visa. (student, work, etc.)
• This Embassy does not give information about pending cases.
• Incomplete visa applications will not be recorded nor treated.
• All the requested documents have to be submitted together with the application. 

Purpose of the different visa types:

• Business Visa
  For people invited for business reasons by a company based in Switzerland.
• Caretaker / Caregiver Visa 
  For caretakers travelling with their employer to Switzerland during their holidays.
• Residence Visa / Family Reunion Visa
  For people wishing to settle in Switzerland together with an employed family member (e.g. spouses  and minor children).
• Student Visa 
  For people who intend to study in Switzerland.
• Tourist Visa 
  For people travelling with the purpose of tourism, staying at a hotel or in a rented flat.
• Transit Visa 
  For People transiting through Switzerland without leaving the airport transit zone.
• Visitor Visa 
  For people who wish to visit relatives or friends, staying in their homes.
• Work Visa
  For people intending to work (even if unpaid) in Switzerland.

International Organizations / Foreign diplomats / Officials
Please contact this Embassy.

Please read the Important Information flyer (see download list on the right) in order to find out what documents are required for the visa type you are applying. 

Please note that your photos have to meet Schengen requirements:

 Photograph Guidelines (pdf)

Please complete all application forms either in German, French, Italian or English (well legible and in block letters). As of 5 April 2010, only the following visa application forms are to be used. The forms are free of charge and at your disposal below.

Application for a Schengen-Visa                                                                                                     "Antrag auf Erteilung eines Schengen-Visums": stay of up to 90 days within a 6-months-period; e.g. tourism, visit of friends and relatives, business meetings, studies up to 90 days, medical reasons.

 Visa application form English - German (pdf)

 Visa application form Arabic - French (pdf)

 Visa application form Russian - German (pdf)

 Application for a long-term visa (Visa type D)
"Antrag auf Erteilung eines Visums für den langfristigen Aufenthalt (Visum D)" studies of more than 90 days, work (also if unpaid and for less than 90 days), residence and family reunion.

 Visa D application form English - German (pdf) 

 Visa D application form Arabic - French (pdf)

 Visa D application form Russian - German (pdf)

The previous forms "Visa application Schengen for Switzerland" and "Visa application for Switzerland" are not valid anymore.

The amount of the visa fee has to be paid in cash at the counter of the Embassy of Switzerland when submitting the application. No credit cards, no checks and no foreign currencies are accepted.

The fees are:

• Visa: rounded value in NIS of 60 €
• Postage: rounded value in NIS of 10 CHF. Postage fees are collected when the visa has to be approved by authorities in Switzerland (e.g. work visa, etc.)

Please note that the visa fee and the postage are not refunded, no matter whether the visa is granted or not.

Applications for children until the age of 6 are free of charge.