Visa Information

Overview

A tourist visa application is required if you are travelling for tourism purposes. This visa is issued for a travel period of less than 90 days.

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. For latest updates, Click here

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Vancouver (Canada).

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Territory of Nunavut and the Bahamas come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Montreal (Canada).

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form. Print the PDF form, sign the application, and submit it along with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Note:

All applicants should schedule an appointment for a visa application submission.

A visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended entry into the Schengen area.

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global is not involved in these areas of the application process.

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Overview

A business visa application is required if you are traveling for business purposes (for example, you will meet a business partner or attend a fair or a conference).

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. For latest updates, Click here

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Vancouver (Canada).

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Territory of Nunavut and the Bahamas come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Montreal (Canada)

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form.

Print the PDF form, sign the application, and submit it along with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Note:

All applicants should schedule an appointment for a visa application submission.

A visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended entry into the Schengen area.

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Overview

A visitor visa application is required if you are traveling to visit family or friends. This visa is issued for a travel period of less than 90 days.

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. For latest updates, Click here

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Vancouver (Canada).

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Territory of Nunavut and the Bahamas come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Montreal (Canada).

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form. Print the PDF form, sign the application, and submit it along with your application

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Note:

All applicants should schedule an appointment for a visa application submission.

A visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended entry into the Schengen area.

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global is not involved in these areas of the application process.

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Overview

If you are transiting through a Schengen airport on your way to your final destination, you may need an airport transit visa. Please obtain the information directly from the relevant Schengen country. Switzerland / Germany / etc.

You do not need an airport transit visa if you are:

• a holder of a valid Canadian permanent resident card
• a holder of a valid Canadian visa
• a traveler leaving Canada after using a Canadian visa

Please note that an airport transit visa only allows a short stay in the international transit area.

The airport transit privilege does not apply and you will need a regular Schengen visa if:

• you are transiting through two or more Schengen airports (e.g., Toronto-Munich-Vienna-India or Toronto-Zurich-Milan-India)
• you need to collect your luggage and/or re-check in during transit (check with your airline)
• you need to go through passport control (check with your airline) - you have an open ticket

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. For latest updates, Click here.

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global is not involved in these areas of the application process.

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Overview

A short-term study visa application is required, if you are travelling to study for a period not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is issued for a travel period of less than 90 days.

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. For latest updates, Click here.

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Vancouver (Canada).

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Territory of Nunavut and the Bahamas come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Montreal (Canada).

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form. Print the PDF form, sign the application, and submit it along with your application

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Note:

All applicants should schedule an appointment for a visa application submission.

A visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended entry into the Schengen area

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global is not involved in these areas of the application process.

Download Form

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form. Print the PDF form and submit it along with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen Visa Application.

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Overview

Applications for Type D visas (long stay – more than 90 days) for studies or family reunification must be submitted directly to the Swiss Consulate responsible for your region (Montreal or Vancouver).

The same applies if you have received an authorization (“AUTORISATION HABILITANT À DÉLIVRER UN VISA” / “ERMÄCHTIGUNG ZUR VISUMERTEILUNG”) from a cantonal authority, whether for a long or short stay.

For further information, please consult the website of the competent Swiss Consulate.

Visa Fees

For information on visa fees – Click here

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

Checklist:

• Visa D Family Reunion – Click here
• Visa D Study – Click here

Applicants must contact the relevant Consulate General of Switzerland in Canada.

For more information on how to apply – Click here

Photo Specifications

Please provide 2 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

For information on processing time – Click here

Download Form

Checklist:

• Visa D Family Reunion – Click here
• Visa D Study – Click here

For more information on how to apply – Click here

Overview

Applications for Type D visas (long stay – more than 90 days) for studies or family reunification must be submitted directly to the Swiss Consulate responsible for your region (Montreal or Vancouver).

The same applies if you have received an authorization (“AUTORISATION HABILITANT À DÉLIVRER UN VISA” / “ERMÄCHTIGUNG ZUR VISUMERTEILUNG”) from a cantonal authority, whether for a long or short stay.

For further information, please consult the website of the competent Swiss Consulate.

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

Documentation to submit to issue Authorized visa:

Checklist

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist

Applicants must contact the relevant Consulate General of Switzerland in Canada.

For more information on how to apply - Click here

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time is one to three business days. All passports are returned by post only.

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist

Overview

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

Note:

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days. However, in the last quarter of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. Latest updates, CLICK HERE.

Visa Fees

Service Fees: (Mandatory)

Note:

The applicable fees in CAD are as per the current EUR/CAD exchange rate and are subject to change.

Visas for family members of EU/EFTA citizens are issued free of charge.

All fee exemptions will be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General. In case an exemption was not justified, the applicant will be contacted by the Embassy/Consulate General to pay the applicable fee before the file is assessed.

All the charges are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Applicants are requested to keep appropriate receipts for all the payments.

Documents Required

All applicants are requested to read the following basic requirements carefully and conform to the same while submitting the application.

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Vancouver (Canada).

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Territory of Nunavut and the Bahamas come under the responsibility of the Swiss representation in Montreal (Canada).

You can complete the form free of cost while booking an appointment. After completing the data entry, you can download the PDF form. Print the PDF form, sign the application, and submit it along with your application

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter

Note:

All applicants should schedule an appointment for a visa application submission.

A visa application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the intended entry into the Schengen area.

Photo Specifications

Please provide 1 recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

Click here

Note:

If the photographs submitted do not meet the specified requirements the visa application will be considered incomplete.

Processing Time

The usual processing time for visa applications is a minimum of 15 calendar days (starting from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives the application, excluding transportation time). This period begins once all required documents have been submitted.

In certain cases, processing time may be extended, particularly when further examination of the application is required – for example, if the applicant must attend an interview or provide additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate. Processing time may also be longer due to a high volume of applications.

Please note that decisions regarding visa applications and their processing time are the sole responsibility of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global is not involved in these areas of the application process.

Download Form

You can fill out the form free of charge while booking an appointment. After entering your information, you can download the PDF form. Print the form and submit it with your application.

Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application:

	General information and requirements for all applicants
	Documentation Checklist
	Application Form

Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada – Sample consent letter