Are you a Kuwait citizen and would like to visit Switzerland for holidays, attend a business meeting or visit family and friends? Whatever the purpose of your trip, you will need a Schengen visa Kuwait Switzerland to enter the country.
The Swiss embassy in Kuwait City issues this Swiss Schengen visa to those who meet the requirements. This post contains all the vital information you need to apply for it successfully.
Switzerland in Europe
Switzerland is a central European country rated as one of the most developed in the world. It is officially called the Swiss Confederation and ranks high for several development indices such as education, health care, security, etc. Boasting a land mass of 41,285 km2 and a population of over 8.5 million, unlike other countries, Switzerland does not have an official capital. Bern is the de jure capital of the Confederacy, while Geneva and Zurich are both global city centers. Birth cities are also the most advanced in the country o terms of infrastructure and population.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association but not an official member of the European Union. However, it operates a similar border policy with other Schengen countries after joining the Union in 2008. Since then, all travelers coming in have had to subscribe to the same laws and even get a Schengen visa if they are not from a Switzerland visa exempt country.
Over the years, the number of visa applications received from applicants has steadily increased by their consulates worldwide, including Kuwait. Overall, the country is quite peaceful by virtue of its neutral policy and strong border controls.
Switzerland Schengen Visas
Switzerland issues different visas to eligible visitors from other non visa exempt countries as long as they meet the requirements for such visas. A Schengen visa is valid for 6 months and allows the holder to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days. This visa is mainly a short term visa and not a long term visa or a visa that secures the holder temporary or permanent residency. It is not a work visa, so working in Switzerland on this visa is a violation. Holders of Schengen visas have access to 26 other Schengen countries besides Switzerland, including Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.
Types of Visas For Kuwait Citizens
Kuwait citizens can apply for different visas, but here are the most common lots.
Transit visa: Those taking connecting flights from Switzerland to any other country but wishing to stay for a day or two before continuing their journey may apply for a transit visa. A Transit visa is required for travelers that will not leave the airport.
Tourist Visa: Kuwaiti tourists who wish to visit to enjoy the sights and sounds of the country may apply for a tourist visa. Like with all Schengen visas, they can stay up to 90 days.
Study Visa: Passport holders from Kuwait who want to attend a course in Switzerland that will not last more than 90 days will require a study visa issued by the embassy.
Visitor Visa: This visa is for visitors who wish to visit family and friends in Switzerland, provided they can show a civil Status document to prove their identity in the case of family visits.
Official/Diplomatic Visa: This visa is for officials of the Kuwait embassy or representatives of the Kuwait monarchy coming for an official assignment.
Business Visa: Switzerland has long been an international center for business, so visitors coming for business meetings, conferences, or events may apply for a business visa
Medical Visa: Medical visas are for patients seeking medical treatment at a medical facility in Switzerland.
They can visit to enjoy the healthcare service.
Other visa options exist, but the above are the common ones.
How To Apply For A Schengen Visa From Kuwait?
Kuwaiti citizens who wish to apply for Schengen visas must visit the Switzerland embassy in Kuwait City.
They must submit their application form and other documents for processing. However, only applicants who secure appointments on scheduled dates will be allowed to do that. On the appointer date, the embassy officials will examine their documents and ask questions about their trips.
Secondly, original copies of the documents will be collected and forwarded to the processing department. Visas normally take 4-6 weeks to process, so be advised to submit your application at least 2 months before the trip.
Schengen Visa Kuwait Switzerland Requirements
Valid Kuwait Passport not older than 10 years and with at least 2 empty pages
Two recent photographs
Completed application form
Receipt of visa fee
Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum)
Round trip flight Itinerary
Hotel reservation
Proof of financial means
Civil Status document, if applicable
Cover letter
Copies of the previous visa, if any
Ensure you submit only valid documents for your Schengen visa Kuwait Switzerland application.