Who needs to apply for a visa?

You do not need a Type D visa if you have:
A passport from a country in the European Union (EU) or from a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state (Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland).
All other passport holders are advised to check your visa eligibility by clicking the link below or consulting with your Education Counselor.

Special Note for Passport Holders from Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom:
These countries might require an Assurance d’Autorisation de Séjour (AAS) instead of a student Type D visa to enter Switzerland. This is managed by the Admissions Team, which will send a copy to the Educational Counselor one month prior to intake

Check if you need a visa to enter Switzerland

When to apply?
Apply for your study visa as soon as you receive your acceptance package. The visa process can take up to three months, so schedule an appointment with the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence promptly.
Contact Your Local Swiss Embassy or Consulate:
If you hold a residency permit from a Schengen country, you can apply for your student Type D visa at your local Swiss consulate or embassy.

Apply for a type D (study) visa
Inform them that you need a Type D visa for Geneva Nations Institute and that you have been accepted to the school. Request an ORBIS number and provide it to your Educational Counselor to track your visa application.

Important Note: Do not request or attempt to enter Switzerland with a tourist visa. Ensure you write the correct school address on the visa application form provided by the Embassy. Follow the steps for filling out this form as instructed.

Preparing for Your Appointment
Review the list of documents required for your student visa application appointment and bring them to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

Important:
Never give original documents to the Embassy/Consulate, as you will not get them back. Provide good/readable copies instead. Keep the originals for yourself as you will need to present them during the authenticity session upon your arrival on campus. Study and Post-Study Statement Guidance for Applicants Over 30 Years Old
The visa process carries a higher risk of refusal for Master’s students, particularly those over the age of 30.
To mitigate these risks: Ensure your study/post-study statement convincingly explains why you chose a Master’s study over direct employment

Your post-study statement must mention your intention to leave Switzerland upon completing your program.

Prepare for your appointment
Please review the list of documents required for your student visa application appointment and take them to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence:
Please never give original documents to the Embassy/Consulate because you will not get them back, only give good/readable copies.
Keep the originals for yourself as you will need to present them at the authenticity session once you have arrived on campus. Study and post-study statement guidance for applicants over 30 years old
The visa process carries more risk of refusal for Master’s students, particularly mature students over the age of 30. To help mitigate these risks, we strongly recommend the following:
Make sure your Study/post-study statement is convincing, containing the reasons why you have chosen Master’s study ahead of direct employment.
The Post-study statement mentions that you will be leaving Switzerland upon completion of your program, please sign and date the document.

Sign and date the document.
Additional Requirements:

  • Copies of all your diplomas and grades (and official certified/notarized English translation if original document is not in French/Italian/German/English)
  • A copy of your Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Study/post-study statement – A short essay explaining why you want to study at Les Roches, signed and dated.
  • Post-study statement – Signed and dated.
  • English Language Certification (if needed).
  • Acceptance letter from Geneva Nations Institute (enclosed in your acceptance package).
  • Awaiting Your Return Invitation.
  • After submitting all documents, wait for an invitation to return to the Embassy or Consulate for the original entry visa (sticker) to be stamped in your passport and to complete all formalities.

Picking Up Your Visa
You should receive the original entry visa at the Embassy or Consulate where you applied. If you need to pick it up elsewhere, inform the Embassy or Consulate and your Education Counselor during your application

Important Notes
Proof of Payment:
The visa process can be expedited with evidence of payment. Some embassies may require proof of payment from both the student and the school

Penalties for Entering Switzerland Without a Study Visa:
Students who require a visa but enter Switzerland without one face financial penalties and may be refused entry to Geneva Nations Institute

Deferring Your Studies:
If you defer your studies to the next semester after starting the visa formalities but before your passport is stamped, the visa can be deferred to the next semester. Once the passport is stamped, deferral is not possible, and you will need to restart the visa formalities.

Check Medical Regulations
Depending on your home country or the countries you have traveled to or stayed in, you may need to meet certain medical requirements, such as tuberculosis testing. The list of countries with specific medical regulations is continually updated. Therefore, it is strongly advised to regularly check the Swiss Government website for the most current information. Additionally, review your local airline policies before flying to ensure compliance with any health regulations.