🇹🇷TÜRKIYE

🏳CHTR-CH

Do Türkiye passport holders need a visa to visit CH?

Q: Does ETIAS apply to Turkish travelers?

No. ETIAS only applies to visa-exempt nationalities. Because Türkiye is a visa-required country, Turkish citizens continue to need a full Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation.

Q: How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

A Type C visa allows up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the dates printed on your visa.

Q: Where do I apply in Türkiye?

Applications are submitted through TLScontact, the official Swiss visa service provider, with centres in Istanbul and Ankara. You register online, book an appointment, and attend in person for biometrics.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The standard adult Schengen visa fee is EUR 90, plus a TLScontact service fee (roughly EUR 30-40). Children aged 6-11 pay EUR 45 and those under 6 are exempt.

Q: How early should I apply?

You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should submit at least 15 days before departure. Applying several weeks ahead is safest, as processing can extend to 30-45 days in peak periods.

Turkish ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Switzerland for tourism. ETIAS does NOT apply to Turkish nationals. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, and Türkiye is not on the Schengen visa-exempt list. As a result, holders of an ordinary Turkish passport must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Switzerland for tourism or a short visit. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are submitted in Türkiye through the official outsourcing partner TLScontact (offices in Istanbul and Ankara), on behalf of the Swiss Embassy/Consulate. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90, processing is normally completed within 15 calendar days (up to 45 days at peak times), and mandatory Schengen travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 is required. Because Türkiye is a visa-required (not visa-exempt) country, the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation — launching in late 2026 — does NOT apply to Turkish citizens; they continue to need a full 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.

/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 (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult)

consular fee only

Processing time

Normally 15 calendar days (up to 45 at peak)

standard track

Validity

Up to 90 days; multiple-entry visas may be valid 1-5 years

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Create an account on the TLScontact Türkiye website (Istanbul or Ankara) — the official Swiss visa service provider — and select Switzerland as your destination.

· Online registration· TLScontact

/02

Complete the Schengen application form

Fill in the Schengen Type C application form, declaring tourism as your purpose, and book an appointment to submit biometrics in person.

· Type C· Tourism

/03

Gather supporting documents

Prepare passport, photos, travel insurance (min. EUR 30,000), flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds, and employment/financial evidence.

· Documents· Insurance

/04

Attend your appointment

Submit your documents and give fingerprints and a photo at the TLScontact centre. Pay the visa and service fees.

· Biometrics· In person

/05

Wait for processing

Decisions are normally issued within 15 calendar days; apply at least 15 days (ideally several weeks) before departure.

· 15 days· Apply early

/06

Collect your passport

Retrieve your passport with the visa from TLScontact or via the chosen return courier service, and verify the visa details before travel.

· Collection· Verify

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen Type C visa application form

required

Two recent biometric passport photos (Schengen specification)

required

Schengen travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000

required

Confirmed round-trip flight reservation

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)

required

Employment / income evidence (job letter, payslips, or business registration)

recommended

Detailed travel itinerary / day-by-day plan

recommended

Visa and service fee payment

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Type C fee

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

TLScontact service fee~EUR 30-40Per applicant; varies by centre

Travel medical insurance~EUR 20-60Min. EUR 30,000 coverage; price varies by duration

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 190incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Normal Consulate decision time after biometrics submission; apply at least 15 days before travel.

Peak-season / extended

Up to 30-45 days

Additional checks or high-demand periods (summer, holidays) can extend processing; apply early.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and sightseeing

Visiting Swiss cities, the Alps, and lakes on a short holiday.

High

/02

Visiting family or friends

Short stays with relatives or friends residing in Switzerland.

High

/03

Business meetings

Attending short business meetings, conferences, or trade events.

Medium

/04

Transit / multi-country Schengen trip

Switzerland as one stop on a wider European itinerary.

Medium

/05

Cultural or sporting events

Attending concerts, exhibitions, or sporting competitions.

Low

/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

Türkiye to Switzerland route verified

Confirmed via the Swiss FDFA embassy page and EU EEAS that Turkish ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa for Switzerland, and that ETIAS (launching late 2026) does NOT apply to visa-required Turkish nationals. Fee EUR 90 and ~15-day processing confirmed.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Turkish citizens need a visa for Switzerland?—

Yes. Türkiye is not on the Schengen visa-exempt list, so ordinary Turkish passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Switzerland.

Does ETIAS apply to Turkish travelers?+

How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?+

Where do I apply in Türkiye?+

How much does the visa cost?+

How early should I apply?+

/11 — Passport tools