TOURISM, VISIT, MEDICAL TREATMENT, BUSINESS, THEORETICAL TRAINING, EVENT
To submit a visa application, it is necessary to present the Schengen visa application form (fully completed and signed by the applicant at the visa section of the Embassy) together with the following documents:
1. National passport valid for more than 3 months beyond the date of entry to Switzerland, along with a photocopy of each page (with identity, photo, issuance/prolongation, Swiss, Schengen, USA, Canadian, UK visas, entry/exit stamps). The passport will be given back to its holder.
2. Two recent identical passport photographs in colour, with light background, full face (3.5 cm x 4.0 cm).
3. Please present the documents matching the purpose of your stay (a, b, c, d, e or f):
a) For tourism: - Hotel reservation in Switzerland (and in the other countries visited if applicable), sent by the hotel by email or fax to the Embassy or hotel voucher stamped by a local travel agency. - Precise itinerary and means of transportation reservation (airplane, ship, train, etc.) if applicable. - Photocopy of the visas for the other countries visited (for example, UK, USA, etc.) if applicable.
b) For visit: - Invitation form (available on internet or at the Embassy) completed and signed for each applicant by the host residing in Switzerland, along with a photocopy of the Swiss identity or residency permit of the host. The whole has to be sent by postal service to the Embassy.
c) For medical treatment: - Written confirmation from the hospital/doctor in charge in Switzerland addressed and sent by postal service, fax or email to the Embassy.
d) For business: - Invitation letter from the company in Switzerland, addressed and sent by postal service, fax or email to the Embassy, mentioning: name of the person invited and of the company in Lebanon (if applicable), purpose and nature of the meeting, exact dates of the meeting, possible expenses coverage, typed out name of the person signing. - Register of commerce of the company in Switzerland. - The recommendation letter of the employer in Lebanon/motivation letter (cf. Point 4) has to mention as well: name of the company visited in Switzerland, nature of the meeting, possible expenses coverage.
e) For theoretical training: - Invitation letter from the company in Switzerland, addressed and sent by postal service, fax or email to the Embassy, mentioning: name of the person invited and of the company/institution in Lebanon (if applicable), purpose and nature of the training, exact dates of the training, possible expenses coverage, typed out name of the person signing. - Register of commerce of the company in Switzerland (if applicable). - The recommendation letter of the employer in Lebanon/motivation letter or the school/university confirmation (cf. Point 4) has to mention as well: name of the company/institution visited in Switzerland, nature of the training, possible expenses coverage.
f) For events (cultural, sportive, scientific, religious, political, economical): - Invitation letter from the event organiser in Switzerland, addressed and sent by postal service, fax or email to the Embassy, mentioning: name of the person invited and of the company/institution in Lebanon (if applicable), purpose and nature of the event, exact dates of the event, possible expenses coverage, typed out name of the person signing.
4. Please present the documents matching your profile(s):
a) For employees: - Recommendation letter from the employer in Lebanon addressed to the Embassy mentioning: profession and position, number of years in service, the monthly salary, number of annual leave, purpose and exact dates of the granted leave, typed out name of the person signing. - Register of commerce and circular of the company in Lebanon. - Registration at the National Social Security Fund (if applicable).
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b) For self-employed and liberal professions: - Motivation letter addressed to the Embassy with information as in the employers recommendation letter. - Proof of actual professional activity. - Syndicate membership card (if applicable). - Register of commerce and circular of the company in Lebanon (if applicable). - Registration at the National Social Security Fund (if applicable).
c) For students: - Confirmation of registration in the school/university for the current and following year (confirming the permission to leave when the stay is planed outside of school/university holidays).
d) For minors: - Parental authorisation certified by the Mayor or "Dclaration parentale" form (available at the Embassy) signed by the parents in front of a visa section employee, along with a photocopy of their passports. - Proof of parental custody (if applicable).
e) For non Lebanese nationals living in Lebanon: - Residency permit and work permit (if applicable) valid at least till the date of return to Lebanon, along with a photocopy. The permit(s) will be given back to its/their holder.
5. Medical travel insurance covering the period of stay (minimum 1 month recommended) and the costs (30000.- Euros minimum) of evacuation and repatriation for medical reasons as well as urgent medical and/or hospital treatment in case of accident or illness. This insurance company has to have a subsidiary in Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, in a member state of the European Union (EU) or of the European Association for Free Trade Agreements (EFTA).
6. Bank account statement showing movements over the last 6 months signed with the bank stamp or original savings account. For minors and students: bank account statement of the parents along with their guaranty letter.
7. Family register issued less than 3 months ago.
8. Flight reservation with departure and return dates.
IMPORTANT!
Only duly filled out, dated and signed forms as well as complete visa applications will be accepted.
Original documents have to be presented, they will not be returned unless provided with a photocopy.
The documents in Arabic have to be translated into French, German, Italian or English.
The visa application forms have to be filled out in French, German, Italian or English.
The visa application fee in the amount of Euro 60.- is payable in Lebanese pounds (in cash) at the time of the application acceptance and is not refundable.
Once the visa application is accepted, a receipt indicating the proceeding is handed out to the applicant and no information will be given by the Swiss Embassy in Beirut.
The acceptance of the visa application does not guarantee the granting of the visa. The Swiss Embassy in Beirut and the authorities in Switzerland reserve the right to return or withdraw an accepted application, to call in the applicant for an interview and/or request additional documents as well as to refuse the visa.
In principle, the processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days starting from the day of its acceptance.