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🇪🇬Egypt
🇨🇭SwitzerlandEG-CH

Egypt to Switzerland visa requirements

Egyptian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Switzerland for tourism. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option. ETIAS does not apply to Egyptian nationals because it only covers visa-exempt countries. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Egypt is on the list of nationalities that require a visa to enter the Schengen zone, so an Egyptian ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling for tourism or a short visit. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are submitted through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of Switzerland in Cairo, generally 15 working days (and up to 6 months) before travel. The standard adult visa fee rose to EUR 90 in June 2024. Note two parallel system changes in 2026: the EES (Entry/Exit System) biometric border control is being rolled out, and ETIAS launches in late 2026 — but ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt travelers, so it does not replace the visa requirement for Egyptian citizens, who continue to apply for a standard Schengen visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adult); EUR 45 (child 6-12); free under 6
consular fee only
Processing time
About 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-60 days
standard track
Validity
Per sticker; multiple-entry visas may be valid 1-5 years with the 90/180 limit
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Type C Schengen visa
Egypt is a visa-required nationality for the Schengen Area. As your main destination or first point of entry is Switzerland, apply to the Swiss representation. Tourism falls under the short-stay (Type C) visa.
· Type C· Tourism
/02
Book an appointment with VFS Global Egypt
Switzerland's Schengen visa applications in Egypt are handled by VFS Global in Cairo and Alexandria on behalf of the Embassy of Switzerland. Create an account and book a biometric appointment online.
· VFS Global· Cairo/Alexandria
/03
Complete the application form and gather documents
Fill in the Schengen application form, and assemble your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, financial proof, and proof of ties to Egypt.
· Application form· Supporting docs
/04
Submit application and give biometrics
Attend your appointment in person to submit documents, pay the fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics are valid for reuse for up to 59 months).
· Biometrics· In person
/05
Pay the visa and service fees
Pay the EUR 90 Schengen visa fee plus the VFS Global service fee. Keep your receipt and tracking reference.
· EUR 90· Service fee
/06
Track and collect your passport
Track the application online. Once decided, collect your passport with the visa sticker or have it couriered. Apply at least 15 working days, and no more than 6 months, before travel.
· Track online· Collect
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Egypt -> Switzerland · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric photos (35x45 mm)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 across the Schengen Area
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredConfirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter for the whole stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment / business / studies and ties to Egypt
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCover letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of the trip
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredVisa fee and VFS service fee payment
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) - Visa requirements for entry into Switzerland
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay fee since June 2024; payable in EGP equivalent
Schengen visa fee (child 6-12)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service feeapprox. EUR 20-40Per applicant; varies, paid in local currency
Travel medical insuranceapprox. EUR 30-60Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage required for the trip duration
Total estimateEUR 90EUR 190incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended review
30-60 days
For additional document checks or complex cases; apply early to allow for delays.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Egypt is a Schengen visa-required nationality
Egyptian passport holders are not on the Schengen visa-exemption list, so a visa must be obtained before travel to Switzerland.
High
/02
No visa-on-arrival or eVisa for Switzerland
Switzerland does not issue visas on arrival or an electronic visa for tourism; the Type C must be obtained in advance.
High
/03
ETIAS does not apply to Egyptians
ETIAS (launching late 2026) covers only visa-exempt nationals; Egyptian citizens continue to need a full Schengen visa instead.
Medium
/04
90/180 short-stay limit
The Schengen rule allows a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period; overstays affect future applications.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Egypt to Switzerland route verified
Confirmed Egyptian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Switzerland; updated adult fee to EUR 90, noted EES rollout and ETIAS (visa-exempt only, not applicable to Egypt).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Egyptians visit Switzerland without a visa?
No. Egypt is a visa-required nationality for the Schengen Area, so a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa must be obtained before traveling to Switzerland.
Does Switzerland offer a visa on arrival or eVisa for Egyptians?+
How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?+
Do Egyptians need ETIAS for Switzerland?+
How much does the visa cost?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Egypt passport

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