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 photo (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.
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
One full-face clear photo (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.
Expedited appointment will be made for holders of a diplomatic/official passport on a Wednesday Afternoon. Please send an email to bernnivdip@state.gov to arrange an appointment.
An application fee of 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
Last Minute Checks
Please check carefully following information before you come to the Embassy for an interview with the consul.
1) The photograph has to be 5 X 5 cm, in color, and with a full white background, full face; http://bern.usembassy.gov/photo_requirements.html
Please note that this requirement is very strict and any other photo size will not be accepted and may prolong the application process extensively or lead to postponing the appointment.
Photos have to be stapled to the application form DS 156 not glued!
2) The application forms should be stapled together
3) As the form DS 156 is completed online and generates a barcode on the third page (which is needed to scan in the information), it is crucial for this barcode to be printed clearly! (no fragmented barcodes are accepted and will lead to postponing an appointment!)
4) The form DS 156 has to be fully completed. All questions need to be answered, even if it does not apply to the applicant. One should answer such questions with ‘none’ , ‘not applicable’, ‘not known’ but may not leave the answer field blank!
Frequently missed questions are
DS 156 Nr. 34: a possible answer may be ‘alone’, ‘with family member xy’; the application needs to be signed at Nr. 41 and dated; Please give all the names you have used in your life (Maiden, Professional, Aliases etc.) at Nr. 8 and spouse's full name at Nr. 18
After security check, everyone will need to stand in line in front of the ‘greeter desk’ and have their documents individually checked and then approach one of the three data intake windows (windows 6, 7, and 8). The application forms will be entered at these data intake windows and they will be asked to place four fingers of the left hand, the four fingers of the right hand and, finally, the two thumbs together straight on the fingerprint device. Thereafter they need to have a seat in the waiting area to be called by the consular officer for the final interview.
Every applicant should bring their individual stamped and addressed return envelope (5.00 Fr. suggested for registered mail). If applicants prefer to pick up the passport(s), this would need to be stated clearly in the beginning of the data intake process!
No electronic devices, backpacks and suitcases allowed in the Consular Section in Bern
In order to ensure everyone's safety and to ensure that security screening does not delay admission to the Consulate, no electronic devices (including phones) may be brought into the Embassy or Consulate. Backpacks, handbags and suitcases are not permitted. Security personnel will not store items for applicants. We therefore suggest that all such items be left at home, in a locked car, at a locker at the train station, or with a friend or relative who remains outside the premises.
We encourage visitors to bring only necessary documents with them.
Thank you
Directions to the U.S. Embassy
What's New
Visas for Employees of Missions, International Organizations and Embassies in Switzerland
