Visa requirements (applicable to all people residing in East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip)

General Information

The visa section is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 – 12.00. (No appointment). Please note that the visa application shall be accepted only as a completed file with all necessary documentation three weeks before departure date, no exceptions are granted to this rule

The visa application form must be signed personally by the applicant, even if the form has been completed by a third party. A visa application does not give the right to actually obtain a visa.

Visa applications must be submitted with all documents mentioned below in original. The submission of additional documents might be required.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The visa fee must be paid in the exact amount and in cash only.

A - Basic Requirements (A personal interview with the applicant is required)

One duly filled-in “Application for Schengen Visa” signed by the applicant (download from:www.bfm.admin.ch)

Passport must be signed by the bearer and valid for at least three months beyond the end of the planned sojourn (Please also submit other passports, either valid or cancelled with valid or expired visas)

One Photocopy of the identity card of the applicant

Two photographs for each applicant, with white background, no more than 6-months old, 35-40 mm in width, close-up of head and top of shoulders so that the face takes up 70-80% of the photograph, in sharp focus and clear

A detailed bank statement for the last six months

Proof of travel insurance throughout the trip covering the Schengen States with a minimum coverage of EURO 30,000

Return flight reservation (the confirmed return ticket might be requested previous to the issuance of the visa)

Current visa processing fee for all types of visas: ILS 335.00 to be paid in exact amount in ILS cash (not refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn).

1- Visa for minors (under age 18)

Application form must be signed by the applicant’s both father and mother

Copy of the father’s and the mother’s identification card / or passport

A signed confirmation letter of the parents that they do not have any objection towards the travel of their child

Confirmation letter of the parents (or third party) who will take full responsibility for the child’s living expenses Original letter of the parent’s bank Manager confirming the bank account number and balance

School confirmation letter that the child is registered for the academic year.

2- Visitor Visa

Basic requirements

A signed invitation letter of the host indicating family name, first name, date of birth, phone number of the invitee to be forwarded to this Office directly from the host in Switzerland by fax. or email

Copy of Swiss residence permit or Swiss passport of the host

The host salary sheets for the last three months

Work confirmation letter from the employer with indication of annual leave

Salary sheets for the last three months

Original letter of bank Manager confirming account number and balance to be both signed and stamped

The form Declaration de prise en charge must be fetched from the Representative Office, filled and then sent to the host in Switzerland

NB: For the first visa, the applicant has to fill in two additional visa application forms and provide two extra photographs + NIS 20. - (postage fee to Switzerland). The application will be forwarded to the competent Swiss authority. The applicant should therefore check with the Representative Office after approx. 7/8 weeks or more.

3 - Tourist Visa

Basic requirements

Adequate travelling funds, i.e. minimum USD 100 per day/per person. (original letter of the bank Manager confirming account number and balance to date, to be both signed and stamped)

Hotel booking with guarantee deposit paid. (proof of payment might be requested).

Work confirmation letter from the employer with indication of annual leave

Salary sheets for the last three months

Original letter of bank Manager confirming account number and balance to be both signed and stamped

4 - Business Visa and Visa for Participants of Seminars or Training Courses

Basic requirements

An official Invitation letter (signed and stamped) with mention of the costs covering, if applicable, (must contain: family name, first name, date of birth and passport nr. of every persons who is invited, purpose of visit and duration of stay) has to be forwarded by fax from the Swiss company/organization directly to this Office. (Fax not from Switzerland will not be accepted).

Certificate of Incorporation from Registrar of Companies of the Palestinian company

Proof of past business with the company in Switzerland

Work confirmation letter from the employer (for employee) stating that the applicant is an employee and visiting Switzerland between which dates and that he will return to his work after the end of the planned trip

Salary sheets for the last three months of the applicant

Original letter of bank Manager confirming account number and balance to be both signed and stamped

5 - Students' Visa

Basic requirements

Completed application forms in triplicate with three passport size photographs

letter of acceptance from the private school or the university in Switzerland

Letter of motivation including: reason of study in Switzerland, detailed programme, faculty, number of years, what will you do after you finish your study? and a detailed Curriculum vitae

Last certificate awarded to be translated into English and legalised

Proof of scholarship in case if the applicant was granted one with all relevant details

In case a third party will be covering expenses: copy of passport, confirmation letter of the bank Manager including account nr. and balance, and a personal letter confirming the acceptance in taking full responsibility for all expenses related to the planned sojourn in Switzerland of the applicant

Original copy of Diplomas and Credentials or a justification from the Swiss organisation (for trainees).

NIS 20. - (postage fee to Switzerland).

Please note that these applications have to be forwarded to the competent authority in Switzerland which in certain cases may require additional documents. It takes between 8 - 12 weeks until a reply from Switzerland is received.

6 - Airport transit visa (not exceeding 48 hours)

Basic requirements

Valid visa for country of destination

NB: Holders of Palestinian passports are exempted from holding an airport transit visa should the following points are met: valid passport, valid visa for country of destination, airport transit not exceeding 48 hours, valid ticket for country of destination. Holders of Jordanian-t passports and Israeli Travel documents do need an airport transit visa.

7 - Transit Visa

Basic requirements

Valid visa for country of destination

The transits do not exceed five days

Hotel reservation in Switzerland (if applicable)

Non-Palestinians living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

This Representative Office can only issue visas to aliens holding a valid resident permit. The valid re-entry permit has to be stamped in their passport. One photocopy of the residence permit or re-entry visa is required.

For all categories of visa applications the Representative Office might request further evidence to prove the bona fide facts of the application such as Employer's Certificate, agreement by parents for minors, business correspondence and business documentation etc.

Representative Office of Switzerland to the Palestinian Authority

Abraj Al-Wataniah Bldg., 5th floor, P.O. Box 4408 / RAMALLAH

Phone: +972 2 240 83 60 / Fax: +972 2 240 83 62

Email: rah.vertretung@eda.admin.ch