How can I obtain a humanitarian visa?
If your life or physical integrity is directly, seriously and concretely endangered in the country where you are, you may apply for a humanitarian visa to come to Switzerland. In addition, having a connection to Switzerland is an important factor.
The threshold is very high. A humanitarian visa is only granted in exceptional cases, and once in Switzerland, the individual granted a humanitarian visa has to undergo an asylum procedure.
The decision to grant a humanitarian visa lies exclusively with the Swiss authorities. UNHCR has no influence over this decision.
How do I apply for a humanitarian visa?
If you would like to apply for a humanitarian visa, you need to contact and go in-person to the Swiss representation located in, or responsible for the country where you currently are. Find out which Swiss representation is responsible for your based on your legal residence. You will need to book an appointment and apply for a national type D visa application (long-term stay), mentioning humanitarian reasons. You will also need to provide a statement explaining your situation, as well as any proof that you are in danger.
- Read more information about humanitarian visas provided by the Swiss Red Cross.
If you are in Switzerland and need information or support regarding the humanitarian visa application of one of your relatives:
- Contact a legal counseling organisation in your canton of residence.
- Get in touch with HEKS-EPER’s specialized humanitarian visas service (available in German and French only).
- Contact AsyLex for individual counselling. If you are an Afghan national, draft your own humanitarian visa request for free.