If your fingerprints have not been recorded, personal appearance when applying for a Schengen visa is mandatory. You will need to schedule an appointment with the VFS Global Office competent for your place of residence.  

If your fingerprints were collected within the last 59 months for a previously issued Schengen visa, you may not have to register them again in person. Instead, you have to contact the competent Swiss representation:

Washington: washington.visa@eda.admin.ch

Atlanta: atlanta.visa@eda.admin.ch

New York: newyork.visa@eda.admin.ch

San Francisco: sanfrancisco.visa@eda.admin.ch

and send in a copy of the visa sticker that was issued when the fingerprints were taken. If they can be copied, include the Swiss representation's response to your email with your complete Schengen visa application to the VFS Global Office competent for your place of residence.

If the previously recorded fingerprints are of insufficient quality and cannot be used for a new visa, you will need to appear in person to have them registered again. This may still be necessary even if you previously received confirmation from the Swiss representation.

Personal appearance and fingerprint scan is not necessary for children under the age of 12.

The Swiss representation reserves the right to request the applicant to appear for a personal interview after reviewing the application. 

SEM – Visa Application Form

Leaflet Schengen Tourist / Business / Visit Visa (PDF, 2 Pages, 178.8 kB, English)
Leaflet Official visit and international organizations (PDF, 2 Pages, 173.0 kB, English)

SEM – Number 8 (For hosts in Switzerland) of FAQ – Frequently asked questions

SEM – Factsheet on letter of invitation

SEM – Information on Declaration of Sponsorship

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – MRTD Photo Guidelines

As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended.

Some Schengen States require that they be consulted on visa applications submitted to other Schengen States by citizens of certain countries. The consultation process may take up to 14 calendar days. Such consultation is currently required for nationals of the countries listed here:

List of countries

It is therefore recommended to submit the visa application early, at the earliest 6 months before the planned journey.  

Short stay visas (tourists, visitors, business):
Complete applications are in general processed within 10-15 days

Visa for persons who have already received an authorization from a Swiss cantonal authority (initiated by the employer in Switzerland):
One week

The reasons for refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form.

You have the right to appeal within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. For information on appeal procedures, please refer to the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration.

SEM

Biometric data (fingerprints) are generally collected every 59 months from the age of 12 years from the first recording.  

If you are a family member of a Swiss, European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen, you are entitled to submit your application directly at the responsible Embassy or Consulate of Switzerland. An appointment is mandatory and must be booked in advance.

Citizens of the EU and the EFTA and their family members

If you wish to complain about the behavior of the consular staff and, if applicable, about the external service provider or about the process, please contact the competent representation in writing.