Change of external Visa provider from TLS to VFS Global from 1 July 2025

Following a regular public procurement procedure conducted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, a new contract has been awarded for the operation of Visa Application Centres. As of 1 July 2025, visa applications for Switzerland will be processed by VFS Global, the newly appointed external service provider.

A new website providing comprehensive information on the visa application process, required documentation, service fees and available services will go live on 26 May 2025 and can be accessed via the following link.

Appointment bookings will open on 2 June 2025 with VFS Global. Please note that appointments can only be scheduled from 1 July onwards.

Representation agreement

If a State does not have its proper visa section in a country or region, the delivery of a Schengen visa can be delegated to another Schengen State member with an agreement between both countries concerned.

The agreement allows the appointed representation to represent and handle Schengen visa applications within its own competence without consulting the other represented State.