Switzerland Tightens Visa Rules for Somalia and Guinea, Suspending Facilitations
- Xavi
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Bern, August 12, 2026 — The Swiss Federal Council has tightened visa requirements for nationals of Somalia and Guinea, suspending several facilitations previously available in the visa application process.
The decision, taken during the Federal Council's meeting on August 12, 2026, follows similar measures adopted by the European Union on June 25, 2026 (for Somalia) and July 10, 2026 (for Guinea) . As an associate member of the Schengen Area, Switzerland is obligated to adopt these measures as they represent a development of the Schengen acquis .
What Has Been Suspended?
The following facilitations are no longer granted for Somali and Guinean nationals applying for short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) :
Suspended Facilitation | Impact |
Simplified Documentation | Applicants must now submit full supporting documents as standard practice |
Faster Processing Times | Standard processing times now apply without the previous expedited treatment |
Fee Waivers | Holders of diplomatic and service passports are no longer exempt from visa fees |
Multiple-Entry Visas | Multiple-entry visas will no longer be issued; only single-entry visas are permitted |
These measures apply to all short-stay Schengen visa applications submitted by Somali and Guinean citizens who are subject to the visa requirement .
Why Switzerland Imposed the Restrictions
The restrictions are designed to improve cooperation from Somalia and Guinea on the readmission of their nationals who are obligated to leave Switzerland and other Schengen countries .
"The restrictions aim to enhance the collaboration between the two states in the readmission of their citizens, thereby contributing to a more efficient return system within the Schengen area, as well as improving the acceptance and credibility of the asylum system."— Swiss Federal Council Statement
Switzerland has a direct interest in optimising readmission cooperation with both countries . As of the end of June 2026, there were 57 Somali and 166 Guinean nationals in Switzerland who were obligated to leave the country .
Related News
EU Timeline: Why These Measures Were Adopted
The EU Council adopted the temporary suspension of certain provisions of the Visa Code for:
Country | Date of EU Decision | Reason |
Somalia | June 25, 2026 | Insufficient cooperation on readmission |
Guinea | July 10, 2026 | Insufficient cooperation on readmission |
The measures are temporary and will remain in force until further notice .
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Effective Date | August 12, 2026 |
Affected Countries | Somalia, Guinea |
Suspended Facilitations | Simplified documentation, faster processing, fee waivers for diplomatic/service passports, multiple-entry visas |
Legal Basis | Schengen Association Agreement; EU Council decisions of June 25, 2026 (Somalia) and July 10, 2026 (Guinea) |
Purpose | Improve readmission cooperation |
Affected Individuals in Switzerland (as of June 2026) | 57 Somali nationals + 166 Guinean nationals obligated to leave |
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