Visas for employees of Missions, International Organizations and Embassies in Switzerland
Nonimmigrant Visa information for Diplomats and Official Visas
You will need the following documents for official visas:
- Your original diplomatic, official, national passport or laissez-passer, valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the United States, and any expired passports with previous U.S. visas.
One recent, full-face clear photos (in color only) with white background (must be 5x5cm) per applicant.
If you are not a Swiss citizen, a copy of your Swiss residency permit or Carte de legitimation.
One application form DS-156 for each person traveling, including one form per infant and child. Only forms filled out online will be accepted. Incorrect, incomplete and erroneous forms will lead to delays.
Original diplomatic note from the relevant Mission or International Organization stating applicant’s position, purpose of trip, itinerary, duration of contract, authorized signature.
Self-addressed stamped envelope.
One application form DS-157 for males between 16 and 45. (optional)
No fee is charged if the visa is being issued in a Diplomatic passport or the purpose of a trip is official. For all visas that are of official purpose there is no physical presence required, so therefore applications will need to be submitted my mail. Processing time will take a minimum of 24 hours in emergences due to required facial recognition. Average processing time is one week. In certain case it will take a further two to four weeks to process.
You will need the following documents for tourist visas:
- Original Diplomatic passport
Two full-face clear photos (in color only) with white background (must be 5x5cm) per applicant.
If you are not a Swiss citizen, a copy of you Swiss residency permit or Carte de legitimation.
One application form DS-156 for each person traveling, including one form per infant and child. Only online fill out forms will be accepted. Incorrect, incomplete and erroneous forms will lead to delays.
Diplomatic note from the Mission stating applicant’s position, purpose of travel, itinerary.
Self-addressed stamped envelope. No same day issuances. In certain cases, further processing is necessary, taking anywhere between 2-6 weeks.
One application form DS-157 for males between 16 and 45. (optional)
Expedited appointment will be made for holders of a diplomatic/official passport on a Wednesday Afternoon. Please ring 031/ 357 70 11 between 3-5pm and request to speak to Jane to arrange an appointment.
An application fee of CHF 157.20 per person (from April 1, 2008 CHF 144.10) including children and infants must be paid in advance to our postal account 30-39699-5, for all those traveling on non official business with regular or official passports.
No fee is charged for those traveling on diplomatic passports.
Download Form DS-156
To be submitted by all non-immigrant visa applicants
Download Form DS-157
To be submitted by all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply
Visas to the US
Visas for Employees of Missions, International Organizations and Embassies in Switzerland
