Switzerland visa for South Korean citizens

In 2025, Switzerland’s embassy and consulates in South Korea (Seoul) received 286 applications for short-stay Schengen visas and issued 264. 7.3% of applications were refused. In 2024 it had been 15.8%: the rate fell by 8.4 points, a clear improvement for applicants. Applications fell by 18% compared with 2024 (349).

For comparison, all Schengen states together refused 11.5% of the applications lodged in South Korea that year, from 3.6% at the consulates of Spain to 12.1% at those of France. Switzerland’s consulates worldwide refused 12.5%. Switzerland was the 8th most applied-for Schengen state in South Korea.

You apply to the Schengen state that is your main destination (the longest stay or the main purpose; the state of first entry only when there is none), so a lower rate elsewhere is no reason to apply there. The figures cover applications lodged in South Korea, by any nationality: mostly citizens, but also residents from other countries.

For a trip from South Korea to Switzerland, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates Switzerland at Level 1, exercise normal precautions (updated 13 August 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Switzerland (updated 11 August 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Switzerland (updated 13 October 2026).

How long South Korean citizens can stay in Switzerland

South Korean citizens may stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days. Days in Switzerland count towards the Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period across all member states.

Switzerland and the Schengen area

Visa-free stays of South Korean citizens in Switzerland count towards the Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period, shared with every other member state.

Switzerland’s neighbours for South Korean citizens

Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, France and Austria admit South Korean citizens visa-free.

Swiss citizens travelling to South Korea

South Korea admits Swiss citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The rule is the same in both directions between South Korea and Switzerland.