--- title: Switzerland visa for citizens of Burundi description: "Citizens of Burundi need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/switzerland/burundi lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Switzerland visa for citizens of Burundi Citizens of Burundi need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Short Stay / Tourist) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Government fee:** €90 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds (approx. 100 CHF per day) ## How to apply 1. **Determine visa type and check requirements** — Visit the official Swiss embassy website or VFS Global site for Burundi residents. 2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents as per the checklist above. 3. **Complete the visa application form online** — Fill the Schengen visa form on the official Swiss visa portal. 4. **Book an appointment at the visa centre / embassy** — Schedule a biometrics appointment through VFS Global or the embassy. 5. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay the 80 EUR (approx. 90 USD) fee at the time of appointment, non-refundable. 6. **Attend appointment and submit biometrics** — Provide fingerprints, photo, and submit the application in person. 7. **Wait for processing** — Processing takes 15 to 45 calendar days; avoid booking travel until decision. 8. **Collect passport with visa (or receive by courier)** — Either pick up at centre or opt for delivery (extra fee). 9. **Check visa details upon receipt** — Verify validity dates and number of entries. 10. **Travel and follow Schengen rules** — Carry all supporting documents, insurance, and proof of accommodation. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport with at least two blank pages** (Travel): Passport validity at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area - **Completed and signed visa application form** (Travel): Form available on Switzerland's official visa portal or VFS website - **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Travel): Schengen photo standards, white background - **Travel itinerary / round-trip flight reservation** (Travel): Confirmed booking with dates and flight numbers - **Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage)** (Travel): Valid throughout Schengen area - **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)** (Travel): For entire stay duration - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds for the trip - **Employment / leave letter** (Employment): From employer stating position, salary, and approved leave - **Proof of civil status (marriage / birth certificate if applicable)** (Supporting, optional) - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting): Detail itinerary and intentions - **Previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Copies of old Schengen visas helpful - **Proof of legal residency in Burundi (if not Burundian citizen)** (Supporting, optional): For third-country nationals - **Additional documents for minors (birth certificate, parental consent)** (Supporting, optional): Both parents' ID copy if minor applying alone - **Tax returns / payslips (optional for self-employed)** (Financial, optional): Suggested if employed ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Approx. 100 CHF per day of stay - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Payslips - Tax returns Sufficient funds must be shown to cover stay, or a sponsor letter with sponsor's documents. ## Good to know - Processing can be delayed if documents are incomplete or biometrics are unavailable on same day. - Visa does not guarantee entry; border officers may still refuse entry. - Overstay may result in bans and fines. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and ensure signature. - **Insufficient or unclear proof of funds** — Provide recent, consistent bank statements and sponsor letter if applicable. - **Lack of travel insurance or invalid policy** — Purchase Schengen-compliant insurance covering 30,000 EUR. - **Weak ties to home country (risk of overstay)** — Show stable employment, family, and property in Burundi. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Burundi need a visa for Switzerland? Citizens of Burundi need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Short Stay / Tourist). ### How long can citizens of Burundi stay in Switzerland? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Switzerland visa cost for citizens of Burundi? Government fee: €90. ### How long does Switzerland visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of Burundi need for Switzerland? Valid passport with at least two blank pages; Completed and signed visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs; Travel itinerary / round-trip flight reservation; Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage); Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Switzerland? At least 6 months. ## More - [Switzerland visa for every passport](/visa/switzerland) - [Every destination for Burundi passport holders](/visa/passport/burundi)