TL;DR
To get a Switzerland Schengen visa from the UK you apply through VFS Global (London, Manchester or Edinburgh). Important: Switzerland switched from TLScontact to VFS Global on 1 July 2025, and VFS Global is now the only authorised provider — applications lodged elsewhere are rejected.
| Switzerland Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | Switzerland visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Start on the official Swiss visa page for the UK to confirm the current process.
- Book a VFS Global appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
- Prepare your documents — see the Schengen document checklist.
- Attend to give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and submit.
- Wait — standard processing is around 15 days; the Embassy of Switzerland in London decides.
The provider change you need to know about
Until mid-2025, Swiss visas in the UK went through TLScontact. Since 1 July 2025 the only authorised agent is VFS Global — the Swiss embassy is explicit that an application submitted with any other provider will not be valid. If you find older guidance pointing to TLScontact, ignore it and book with VFS Global. See getting a Schengen appointment.
When to apply to Switzerland
Apply to Switzerland only if it's your main destination (most nights) or your first entry on an evenly-split trip — see which country to apply to. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, so a Swiss-issued visa lets you move freely across the whole zone, but the consulate you apply to must match where you'll spend the most time.
What you'll need
The standard Schengen documents: passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond your trip), application, photo, proof of UK residence, bookings, itinerary, bank statements, €30,000+ insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK — the main factor behind refusals.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human review before your VFS Global appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I apply for a Switzerland Schengen visa from the UK?
Switzerland's UK visa applications are handled by VFS Global, with centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. You book through VFS Global, prepare your documents, and attend to give biometrics and submit. You must legally reside in the UK to apply here.
- 02
Who handles Switzerland visa applications in the UK?
VFS Global is the only authorised provider for Swiss Schengen visas in the UK. The Swiss embassy switched from TLScontact to VFS Global on 1 July 2025 — applications submitted to any other provider are not valid. The Embassy of Switzerland in London makes the decision.
- 03
How much is a Switzerland Schengen visa from the UK?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, free under 6 — the same as all Schengen countries. VFS Global charges its own service fee, and you need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover.
- 04
How long does a Switzerland Schengen visa take?
Standard processing is around 15 days. Switzerland has often had better appointment availability than busier destinations, but applications lodged in Edinburgh or Manchester are forwarded to London first, adding a couple of days.
- 05
Should I apply to Switzerland if I'm visiting several countries?
Only if Switzerland is your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split equally. Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so a Swiss visa lets you travel the whole zone — but apply where you'll actually spend most of your trip.
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