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 the biometric data of persons applying for a Schengen visa will have to be captured. Therefore, starting from May 10, 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 (Tel. 02 240 83 60).
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  European Commission

Palestinians are required to apply for a visa to enter or transit via Switzerland / Schengen States. Applications for visas can be presented to the Representative Office of Switzerland in Ramallah during the opening hours for the public (Monday-Friday, 09:00-12:00). Visa applications have to be submitted to the Representative Office in person; every client has to make an appointment prior to apply for a visa.
Application forms can be obtained at the Representative Office in Ramallah or by downloading it from the homepage of the Federal Office for Migration. Please follow the indicated instructions on the downloaded version. 
 FOM - Visa Application Form 

If you do not have your permanent residence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Represenative Office in Ramallah is in principle not competent to issue a visa. Exceptions can only be granted upon reasonable explanation why the visa was not requested at the Swiss representation which is competent for your domicile.
For foreigners living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: If you want to find out if you need a visa to travel to or transit via Switzerland please consult the following link of the Federal Office for Migration: 
 FAQ 

Starting January 30, 2012 Sweden will represent Switzerland for the purpose of examining applications and issuing visas for short stays in the Schengen area (visa types A and C ex. Tourism, Visits, Business, Cultural Events)
For A and C-Visas requirements please contact:
UNDP-Gaza, Tel. 08-282-46-11 (from Sunday to Thursday, 12.30 – 14.30 hours)

Holder of Palestinian VIP passports and participants at official conferences and meetings organized by International Organizations in Switzerland will either have to apply in person at the Swiss Representative Office in Ramallah (Tel. +972 (0)2 240 83 60 or at the Swiss Embassy in Cairo:
Embassy of Switzerland, 10, Abdel Khalek Sarwat Street, 11511 Cairo
Tel.: +202 2575 82 84 (opening hours Sunday to Thursday, 09.00 – 12.00)
 Embassy of Switzerland - Visa for people living in Egypt

Since January 1st, 2011, the Representative Office of Switzerland in Ramallah is representing Estonia for the issuance of Schengen visas in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Please note that the same requirements, application forms and instructions as for Switzerland will apply. Submit supporting documents in English, French or German. If the stay in Estonia will exceed 3 months and/or be for employment, marriage or family regroupment, the application must be lodged directly with the Embassy of Estonia in Tel Aviv:
(Ha Yovel Tower, 125 Menachem Begin Rd, Tel Aviv 61071; Tel. no: + 972 (3) 710 39 10)