SwitzerlandVisits and short stays

Switzerland visa for culture and sports events

Schengen visa for culture and sports events

In short

Artists, athletes, conference participants and students on short courses in Switzerland of up to 90 days apply for a Schengen visa, if their nationality needs one, with the Swiss culture and sports checklist, including the organiser's invitation.

Apply on SEM – online visa application form checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Fee
€90Adults EUR 90, children 6–12 EUR 45, under 6 free; family of EU/EFTA citizens free. Not refundable; the mission sets the currency and payment method, and an external service provider charges its own service fee.
Processing time
Normally decided within 15 days, longer in individual cases.
Work
Participation in the event; paid performances may need a work permit.
Where to apply
The Swiss embassy or consulate responsible for your place of legal residence, or the external service provider it uses.

What the invitation must contain

For cultural events the organiser’s dated and signed invitation, the contract with the cultural provider or an invitation to creative work must state the purpose and length of the stay, how the parties cooperate, who pays and the contact details and position of the signatory. For sporting events the club or federation invites or accredits you and also states the level of the event; a supporting letter from your own club or federation is required.

Who uses this checklist

Cultural performers, athletes, conference delegates and participants in short language courses.

Event documents

Include the organiser's invitation with dates and programme, and proof of who covers costs. Teams and ensembles should apply together.

Required documents

Identity

  • Visa application form generated on the SEM online form, printed and signed
  • Passport issued within 10 years, two blank pages, valid three months after leaving Schengen
  • ICAO-compliant photo (fingerprints taken every 59 months from age 12)

Travel

  • Travel and accommodation bookings
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copies of passport pages 2–3 and of earlier visas with entry and exit stamps

Money

  • Proof of means: bank statements and income documents (about CHF 100 per day) or a host's declaration of sponsorship

Work

  • Proof of occupation (employer letter, company documents or student certificate) as on the checklist of the Swiss mission responsible for you

Insurance

  • Travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 valid in the Schengen area

Other

  • Organiser's invitation or registration
  • Athletes: supporting letter from your sports club or federation

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Minors travelling alone or with one parent: current notarised parental consent, original and copy, plus divorce decree with custody or death certificate where relevant

Funds

About CHF 100 per day, or CHF 30 for students with a valid student card, unless the organiser covers costs.

Paid performances

Any gainful activity in Switzerland lasting more than eight days per calendar year needs authorisation from the competent cantonal migration office, even if it is short and under 90 days. The Swiss employer must apply for this work permit; the Schengen visa alone does not cover it.

Refusal and appeal

A refusal can be appealed within 30 days of receipt; the procedure is described on the SEM website and in the refusal notice. The visa fee is not refunded.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Complete the visa application on the SEM online form and print it.
  2. Download the checklist for "culture and sports" of the Swiss representation responsible for your place of legal residence and prepare the documents.
  3. Book an appointment as that representation instructs, with the mission itself or its external service provider, up to six months before travel.
  4. Attend in person, give fingerprints and pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus any service fee.
  5. The Swiss representation decides, normally within 15 days, and returns your passport.

Frequently asked questions

Do musicians need a work permit for a paid concert?

Gainful activity of more than eight days per calendar year needs authorisation from the cantonal migration office, which the Swiss organiser or employer applies for.

Can a team apply together?

Yes, with one organiser letter listing all members.

What funds do students need?

About CHF 30 per day with a valid student card.

What must a sports invitation state?

The level of the event, purpose and length of stay, cooperation between the parties, who pays and the signatory’s contact details; add a letter from your own club or federation.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Switzerland

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: At least 8–12 weeks, because the cantonal migration office must approve.
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months

Work

Family

Residence

Protection

Switzerland visa guide