Access
Visa required
RPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to Switzerland
South Africa passport holders need a visa for Switzerland, applied for at an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travel.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 90 days
Switzerland → South AfricaGet an email when South Africa → Switzerland rules change
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Key facts
- Switzerland lets 93 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is not one of them.
- South Africa passports get “Visa required” at 69 of 198 destinations.
- In the other direction, Switzerland passports get “Visa free” in South Africa.
Nearby passports travelling to Switzerland
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 3 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flights, eSIM and insurance are third-party. Visatu does not take payment.
Flight corridor
Direct flights
South AfricaSwitzerland- Typical duration
- 10.7 hours
- From
- JNB
- To
- ZRH
Airlines Swiss International Air Lines, South African Airways
Search live faresDuration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Switzerland
Country profile
Capital
Bern
Population
9.1 million
Area
41,290 km²
Currency
Swiss franc CHF
Languages
French, Italian, Swiss German
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Foreign-born
2.8 million · 2024
Migrant share
31.1%
Ethnic groups · 2020
- Swiss69.2%
- other16.7%
- German4.2%
- Italian3.2%
- Portuguese2.5%
- French2.1%
- Other2.1%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type C / Type J
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 117 · Ambulance 144
Dialing code
+41
Airports
ZRH · GVA · BRN · ACH
Highlights
- Matterhorn
- Jungfrau
- Chapel Bridge
- Old City of Bern
South Africa · Visa required
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for Switzerland?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa required”. confirm length of stay with the destination. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
No single stay length is recorded. Check Switzerland immigration or a mission.
Passport validity and blank pages?
Switzerland typically wants about 3 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a Switzerland mission.
What about a Switzerland passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.
How do you apply for Switzerland as a visitor?
Schengen short-stay (type C)：90 days in any 180-day period。Apply at a Schengen consulate or visa centre in your country of residence, with biometrics, for the main destination. Visa-exempt passports use the EES entry/exit system. ETIAS will apply on the EU timetable — confirm whether your passport is in scope before travel.