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Switzerland Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia

🇨🇭 SwitzerlandVisitor Visas1 recorded versionLast change 12 Jun 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Switzerland is reintroducing visa facilitations for Ethiopian nationals, including the possibility to waive the requirement for supporting documents, exemption from visa fees for holders of diplomatic and service passports, issuance of multiple-entry visas, and processing of visa applications within 15 days. This follows the EU's decision to reinstate suspended Visa Code provisions due to improved cooperation on returns.

Overview

Effective 12 June 2026, Switzerland has lifted visa restrictions for Ethiopian nationals. This decision, mirroring a recent move by the European Union, acknowledges improved cooperation from Ethiopia regarding the repatriation of its citizens. Previously, restrictions were imposed due to insufficient cooperation on return operations.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Ethiopian nationals applying for a Schengen visa for Switzerland
  • Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Ethiopia

What changed in the latest version

Before

Switzerland had visa restrictions for people from Ethiopia from April 2024. These restrictions matched the European Union's (EU) temporary stopping of certain parts of the Visa Code. This was because Ethiopia did not cooperate enough on readmitting its people who were staying illegally in the Schengen area. These restrictions probably included: * Requirements for supporting documents. * Visa fees for people with diplomatic or service passports. * Limits on visas that allowed multiple entries. * Longer processing times than 15 days.

After

Switzerland is bringing back ways to make getting a visa easier for people who hold Ethiopian nationality. These include: * They may no longer need to provide supporting documents. * People with diplomatic and service passports do not have to pay visa fees. * They can get visas that allow multiple entries. * Visa applications will be processed within 15 days. This follows the European Union's (EU) decision to bring back parts of the Visa Code that were stopped. This happened because Ethiopia improved its cooperation on returns.

This change matters because it reverses a restrictive visa policy. That policy was in place from April 2024. Now, it will be easier for people who hold Ethiopian nationality to get short-stay visas for Switzerland. Bringing back facilitations, like the possibility of not needing supporting documents and faster processing within 15 days, will reduce the administrative burden and waiting times for applicants. Also, people with diplomatic and service passports will not pay visa fees. They can also get visas that allow multiple entries. This will help officials and people who travel often. This move by Switzerland and the European Union (EU) shows improved diplomatic and operational relations with Ethiopia. This applies to the return of irregular migrants. It directly affects the decisions of people applying for visas.

Explained simply

Imagine you needed a special pass to visit Switzerland, and it was a bit harder to get before because Switzerland thought Ethiopia wasn't helping enough with people who had to go back home. Now, Ethiopia is helping much more, so Switzerland is making it easier again. This means people from Ethiopia won't have as much paperwork, some can get their pass for free, and it will be processed faster, making it easier to visit.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v3Effective 12 Jun 2026EffectiveHigh impact
    Switzerland Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia

    Switzerland has lifted its visa restrictions for people from Ethiopia. This change took effect immediately from 12 June 2026. This policy change, made under the Schengen Association Agreement, brings back several ways to make getting a visa easier for people who hold Ethiopian nationality. These changes include: * They may no longer need to provide supporting documents. * People with diplomatic and service passports do not have to pay visa fees. * They can get visas that allow multiple entries. * Visa applications will be processed within 15 days. This decision follows better cooperation from Ethiopia on readmission. This led the European Union (EU) to bring back parts of the Visa Code that were previously stopped. Switzerland has now followed the EU's lead.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    12 Jun 2026

    Effective 12 June 2026, Switzerland has lifted visa restrictions for Ethiopian nationals. This decision, mirroring a recent move by the European Union, acknowledges improved cooperation from Ethiopia regarding the repatriation of its citizens. Previously, restrictions were imposed due to insufficient cooperation on return operations.

  2. Takes effect

    12 Jun 2026

    Switzerland is reintroducing visa facilitations for Ethiopian nationals, including the possibility to waive the requirement for supporting documents, exemption from visa fees for holders of diplomatic and service passports, issuance of multiple-entry visas, and processing of visa applications within 15 days. This follows the EU's decision to reinstate suspended Visa Code provisions due to improved

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