How to Apply for Official Visa to Switzerland – For Nepali Citizens

An Official Visa to Switzerland is required for Nepali citizens who are traveling to Switzerland for formal and governmental purposes such as intergovernmental meetings, official consultations, negotiations, conferences, or events organized by government bodies or international organizations. This visa category is different from tourist or business visas and is strictly issued for official duties. The Swiss Embassy in Nepal processes official visa applications with the support of VFS Global, and applicants must meet specific documentation and eligibility requirements to ensure approval.

The application process begins with clearly identifying the purpose of travel as official. Applicants must be traveling on behalf of the Government of Nepal, a diplomatic mission, or an officially recognized institution or international organization. Once the purpose is confirmed, the applicant must complete the Schengen visa application formaccurately with personal details, travel dates, passport information, and official travel purpose. The completed form must be printed and signed, as it is required during document submission.

A key document for an official visa application is the Note Verbale, which must be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Nepal. This document formally informs the Swiss authorities about the applicant’s official status, designation, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. Along with the Note Verbale, applicants must submit an official invitation letter from the Swiss government body, embassy, international organization, or host institution in Switzerland. The invitation letter should clearly mention the nature of the visit, travel dates, and financial responsibility, if applicable.

Applicants must also submit a valid passport issued within the last ten years, with at least three months’ validity beyond the planned return date and a minimum of two blank pages. Two recent passport-size photographs that meet Schengen photo standards are required. A round-trip flight reservation showing travel from Nepal to Switzerland and back is mandatory, along with proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or confirmation provided by the host organization in Switzerland.

Although official and diplomatic passport holders are generally exempt from visa fees, applicants must still visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Nepal to submit documents and provide biometric data if required. For ordinary passport holders traveling on official duty, visa fees may apply depending on the sponsoring organization and destination country within the Schengen Area. VFS Global service charges may still be applicable.

Once the application is submitted, the standard processing time for a Switzerland Official Visa is usually around 15 calendar days, although it may vary depending on the case, verification requirements, or embassy workload. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date. After processing, the passport can be collected from the VFS Global center or delivered via courier if that option was selected.

In conclusion, applying for an Official Visa to Switzerland from Nepal requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and official authorization from relevant authorities. Providing a valid Note Verbale, official invitation, and complete supporting documents significantly improves the chances of approval. Nepali citizens traveling for official purposes should ensure they follow all procedures correctly and submit their application on time to avoid unnecessary delays.