Visa Types
Switzerland Visa FAQs - Answers to Common Visa Questions
If your flight is cancelled and you can't leave the Schengen area before your visa ends, contact your local immigration office. Look for their address on this website: Cantonal immigration and labour market authorities.
If you're stuck in transit at an airport because you missed your connecting flight, talk to the airport border authorities.
If you can't enter Switzerland or another Schengen country and can't use your visa before it ends, you need a new visa. To get one, contact a Swiss embassy or consulate.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) cannot help with this issue. Instead, you need to contact the Swiss embassy responsible for the area where you live. You can find the contact information for Swiss embassies on this website: Swiss representations.
You can get the information you need from the embassy or consulate's website.
Swiss people can go to Switzerland if they have a valid passport or ID card. If they don't have one, they can still go if they prove they are Swiss. It's a good idea for Swiss people to always have a copy of their passport or ID card with them, or another official document that shows who they are.
To enter Switzerland, people need to have a valid passport or ID card from the list of approved documents. They cannot be on the Schengen Information System's alert list or pose any threats to public order, Swiss security, public health, or the international relations of any Schengen state. They also cannot be banned from entering Switzerland.
Family members of EU or EFTA citizens who are citizens of a third country need to meet certain requirements to enter the Schengen Area for a short stay of up to 90 days without working. They need to have a valid travel document that meets two requirements.
Firstly, the document should be valid for at least three months after they plan to leave the Schengen Area.
Secondly, the document should have been issued within the last 10 years. The 10-year requirement only applies to entering the Schengen Area.
The date of issue on the travel document is the most important factor, even if the authorities extended the validity period.
The two conditions mentioned earlier do not apply to third-country nationals who have a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country. You can find a list of these permits on the Schengen Member States website. If you have a valid long-term visa from a Schengen country, which is like a residence permit, you must have a valid travel document when you enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country, and it must stay valid throughout your entire planned stay.
Third-country nationals who are not from the EU or EFTA and need a visa to enter must fulfill certain requirements to enter the Schengen Area.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for a stay of less than 90 days in any 180-day period must have a recognized travel document that meets two requirements:
It must be valid for at least three months after their planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
It must have been issued within the last 10 years (only for entry into the Schengen Area).
The date of issue of the travel document is more important than any decision made by the authorities to extend its validity, in determining if the document meets the entry requirements for the Schengen Area.
Third-country nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country are not required to fulfill the two conditions mentioned above for their travel document to enter the Schengen Area.
The "List of residence permits issued by Schengen Member States" is a document, in PDF format, which provides information about the various types of residence permits issued by Schengen Member States. For third-country nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country or a valid long-term category D visa issued by a Schengen country, they are exempted from the two conditions mentioned above for their travel document. However, their travel document must be valid when they enter the Schengen Area and remain valid throughout their planned stay in Switzerland or any other Schengen country.
Please find travel documents entitling the holder to cross the external borders in the following document:
UK citizens can enter Switzerland without a visa for short or long stays, but since January 1st, 2021, they need to follow the usual entry requirements for non-EU/EFTA citizens. They should use the 'ALL PASSPORTS' lane at passport control. UK nationals and their family members who moved to Switzerland before January 1st, 2021, need to show additional documents at border control along with their travel document.
To enter Switzerland, UK nationals who moved there before January 1st, 2021, need to show additional documents at border control along with their travel document. These include a residence permit issued before December 31st, 2020, a residence permit issued after December 31st, 2020, with the words "Gemäss Abkommen CH-UK vom 25. Februar 2019 / Selon l’accord CH-UK du 25 février 2019 / Secondo l’accordo CH-UK del 25 febbraio 2019," or a residence document issued by a Schengen state according to Article 18 paragraphs 1 and 4 of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community.
Check visa rules for your nationality and special cases in these links:
List for ID and visa requirements based on nationality
List for ID and visa requirements regardless of nationality (PDF, 192 kB, 01.01.2023)
A Schengen visa works for Switzerland and other Schengen states, unless the visa says otherwise. You can stay up to 90 days within 180 days. For more details, contact the Swiss embassy where you live.
If you want to visit Europe for up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting relatives or friends, or studying, you need a Type C visa, also known as a Schengen visa. You can apply for it on www.swiss-visa.ch or Schengen visa application.
If you plan to work in Switzerland, you need both a Schengen visa and a work permit. For stays longer than 90 days, you need a Type D visa, which is for people who want to stay in Switzerland for work, studies, family reunification, or medical treatment. You need to apply for a Type D visa on the Type D visa application website.
If you apply for a Schengen visa to Switzerland, the processing time for a decision is usually 15 days. But in some cases, it may take up to 30 or 60 days.
If you apply for a national visa (Type D visa), the processing time may vary based on the canton and reason for your stay. You can contact the immigration authorities in the canton where you want to go for more information on processing times.
Submitting an application for a Schengen visa costs EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children between 6 and 12 years old. But, some applicants don't have to pay. If you need a national visa and want it quickly or outside of normal working hours, or if the application is complex, you may have to pay an extra charge of up to 50%.
Swiss law allows people who are under threat of harm in their own country to apply for a humanitarian visa. If there are doubts about the application, it may be sent to the State Secretariat for Migration for further assessment. Applicants must show that they are in serious danger and need to go to a Swiss embassy or consulate in person to apply. They also need to make an appointment beforehand. For more information on the Swiss asylum procedure, please visit the link provided.
To find out how to get to the airport, click on this link and go to section 2.1:
List of ID and visa requirements for all nationalities (PDF, 192 kB, 01.01.2023)
To check the embassy's opening hours and local public holidays, visit their website. If you can't find the information, you can try sending an email.
If you still can't reach them, contact the Consular Directorate at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern, which handles complaints about embassies. Here's their email: [insert email address here].
To get the visa application form, visit www.swiss-visa.ch or click on "Visa Application Form". If you have trouble downloading the form, try again later or close other programs on your computer. If it still doesn't work, send an email or contact the Swiss Embassy that is responsible for your area. Find the embassy's contact information on Swiss representations.
Tourists can stay in Switzerland for 90 days in a 180-day period with a visitor's visa. They need to leave the Schengen area and apply for a new visa if they want to stay longer.
Schengen visas allow people to travel to the Schengen area in Europe. These visas can be single-entry, dual-entry, or multiple-entry, and can be valid for up to five years. The length of validity and the number of entries allowed are decided on a case-by-case basis by the consulate, based on the purpose of travel and the documents submitted. People who frequently travel to the Schengen area for business or personal reasons and have complied with previously issued visas may be eligible for a five-year visa.
All Schengen visas, regardless of the length of validity, have the same conditions. A person can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This can be used for a single uninterrupted stay or multiple short stays. Additionally, travel (including medical) insurance is required for all stays in the Schengen area.
Usually, you need to apply for a visa at the Swiss Embassy where you live. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, but it's best to do it at least 2 months beforehand. If you need a visa and your trip is less than 2 months away, please contact the nearest Swiss embassy.
Non-EU/EFTA people without a visa may be asked by Swiss border guards why they are visiting and if they have enough money. If they can't show enough money or explain where they're staying and why they're visiting, they may be sent back. It's important to have enough money (about CHF 100 per day) to stay in Switzerland. If someone invites you to Switzerland, it could be helpful to have their invitation, but you don't have to.
To learn more about entering Switzerland as a stateless person, check page 7, point 2.5 on the website "List: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality". If you have more questions, contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for your area of residence. Swiss representations.
Addresses of embassies Swiss representations
Non-EU/EFTA people who need a visa to enter Switzerland will usually be denied entry if they don't have a visa. However, in some cases, a visa can be given at the border. To get a border visa, they must meet the entry requirements and show that they couldn't apply for a visa earlier due to unexpected circumstances and urgent travel needs. The border visa is valid for a maximum of 15 days and only allows a single entry.
Non-EU/EFTA people can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes the days they enter and leave the area. For more detailed information on this topic, please visit the website "Entry".
To see the list of residence permits that allow visa-free entry into Switzerland for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, check the document "List of residence permits issued by member states". However, please note that people with valid residence permits from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or a US green card may still need a visa to enter Switzerland. If you have more questions, please contact the Swiss embassy closest to you.
When it comes to traveling within the Schengen area, Type C and Type D visas are treated equally for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
People who hold residence permits from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Canada or have a US green card are not automatically allowed to enter the Schengen area without a visa.
Non-EU/EFTA people who need a visa to enter the Schengen area and hold a residence permit for the United Kingdom, Romania, Bulgaria or Cyprus may still need a visa to enter Switzerland if their spouse is a citizen of an EU or EFTA member state. However, they can obtain the visa for free. To know if a visa is required for travel to other Schengen countries, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) advises you to check with the consulate of the country you want to visit.
The UK is not a member state of the Schengen area, and thus the British residence permit, specifically the EEA Family member Residence Documentation, is not listed in the List of Residence Permits issued by the Member States.
The issuance of visas without charge is governed by Article 13 of the Ordinance on Federal Charges under the Foreign Nationals Act (Gebührenverordnung AIG; SR 142.209).
Individuals who are seeking information about SIS data may contact the Data Protection Officer at the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) located at Guisanplatz 1A, 3003 Bern, which is the responsible federal authority for SIS data.
It is important to note that only individuals who are directly affected by an entry ban within the Schengen Information System (SIS) have the right to file a request for information. This right does not extend to public or other authorities.
If you are an individual who is directly affected by an entry ban in the SIS and wish to request information, deletion, or rectification of personal data, you must submit your request in writing. The request must be in one of the official languages of Switzerland, which are German, French, Italian, or English. Additionally, the request should be accompanied by a high-quality photocopy of an official identification document.
Other official documents may include:
passport
Identity card
For further information about SIS data, individuals can visit the relevant page on the official website. If someone wants to inquire about the reason they are subject to an entry ban, they can contact the State Secretariat for Migration, Admission and Residence Division, located in Bern-Wabern, via telephone or email. The contact information is as follows:
Tel.: +41 58 465 11 11
Fax: +41 31 325 93 79
aufenthalt@sem.admin.ch
In addition to financial means, border control officials may also check whether third-country nationals have a valid return ticket or onward travel ticket, as well as sufficient medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the Schengen area. It is recommended that travelers carry with them documents that prove they have the means to support themselves during their stay, as well as proof of medical insurance coverage and a return or onward travel ticket.
If you are a third-country national and staying in Switzerland or any other Schengen area country at your own expense, you need to show that you have enough money to cover your stay. You need to demonstrate financial resources of at least CHF 100 per day of your stay in Switzerland, and CHF 30 per day if you are a student with a valid student permit. The calculation for adequate financial resources for other Schengen area countries is based on the reference amounts established by those countries' national authorities. You can check the reference amounts required for each country in the PDF provided by their national authorities.
Third-country nationals who hold a valid residence or work permit issued by another Schengen member state do not automatically have the right to work in Switzerland. They must apply for a separate work permit from the Swiss authorities, and the Swiss statutory provisions on labor apply.
For more information on working in Switzerland, interested individuals can refer to Chapter 7 of the relevant government website.
Once an expulsion order has been issued, it cannot be revoked or suspended. The person concerned must leave Switzerland and stay outside the country for the duration of the expulsion order. Any attempt to enter Switzerland during this period could result in legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.
To enter Switzerland, you need a valid travel document like a passport or ID card. Special documents are issued for children. Switzerland may accept certain expired travel documents based on nationality. Here's an overview of ID and visa requirements for each nationality.
If EU or EFTA citizens want to enter Switzerland without a valid travel document, they must prove their citizenship. The burden of proof is on the person, or on parents or accompanying adults if it's a child. Any document that proves citizenship can be used. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends carrying a photocopy of a valid travel document, an expired travel document, an official identity document like a driver's license, and for children, a birth certificate or extract from an official register.
The biometric visa number can be in two formats:
XXX000000000, where XXX is the code of the country that issued the visa, and 000000000 is a 9-digit visa number.
D000000000, which is used only for visas issued by Germany, and consists of the letter "D" followed by a 9-digit visa number.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) cannot provide information on the entry policies of third countries, as each country sets its own rules. SEM advises travellers to check with the diplomatic or consular mission of the destination country in Switzerland or the website of the Swiss diplomatic/consular mission in the destination country.
Usually, third-country nationals need a valid travel document recognized by Switzerland to enter the country. However, those who hold a valid residence permit or category D visa issued by Switzerland can enter Switzerland. Third-country nationals who hold a residence permit or category D visa issued by a Schengen state can enter Switzerland for transit purposes to reach the territory of the Schengen state that issued the permit or visa.
The F and N permits are not travel documents, but they confirm the holder's temporary right to stay in Switzerland. These permits cannot be used to travel abroad, including the Schengen area. If holders of F or N permits want to travel abroad, they should contact the immigration office of their local canton for guidance.
Schoolchildren from third countries (non EU/EFTA) who do not have travel documents or residence permits that allow them to enter a Schengen state without a visa can still travel on school trips abroad without a visa if their name is on a separate list. This list is available in the ID and visa provisions document (PDF, 192 kB, 01.01.2023) and applies regardless of nationality.
If schoolchildren listed on the separate list issued by the competent authorities of the respective EU or EFTA member state are traveling to Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, or Cyprus, the respective embassies can provide information on whether the country recognizes the school list issued by Switzerland. It is necessary for the pupils to travel as a member of a group and to be accompanied by at least one teacher. The names of schoolchildren holding a residence permit type N, F, or S may also be listed on the school list, and if a pupil does not hold a valid travel document, the list is accepted in lieu of a travel document, provided it includes a photo of the child. For further information and to obtain the list, contact the competent cantonal immigration authorities.
If schoolchildren from third countries are residing in an EU or EFTA member state, they may enter Switzerland without a visa if they have a separate list with their names issued by the competent authorities of the respective EU or EFTA member state. This list must include a passport photo of the pupil in question and is recognized as a valid replacement travel document by Switzerland.
Children who are nationals of Schengen states are required to have their own travel document as of 26 June 2012. However, children from third countries (not EU/EFTA member states) are still allowed to travel on their parents' passports in Switzerland. It is important to note that this may not be the case for other countries, and travelers should check the entry requirements of their destination country.
babies who are citizens of an EU or EFTA member state are allowed to enter Switzerland as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions are detailed in a document called "ID and visa provisions - particularities regardless of nationality," which is available as a PDF and contains Section 2.13 with the relevant information.
To enter Switzerland, infants must be under six months old, officially registered, accompanied by at least one parent who is a citizen of an EU or EFTA member state, and have the necessary travel documents. If there is no official registration or document, parents should bring their child's birth certificate. Parents should apply for their infant's travel document as soon as possible.
If kids are traveling alone or with someone who is not their parent, SEM suggests they carry a note from their parents or legal guardian. The note should have the parents' or guardian's information and say it's okay for the child to travel. It can also have travel details like where and why they're going. There's no special form needed, and it can be a letter. This is to avoid suspicions of child abduction.
Paper ID cards with a stamp showing they have been renewed let you go to Switzerland. But ID cards in credit card form with a separate confirmation of renewal don't work. If you're from Italy and don't have a valid travel document, you might still be able to enter Switzerland if you can prove your citizenship.
The most effective method to continue on the off chance that a movement record is lost in Switzerland:
Non-EU/non-EFTA people who want to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days need a valid travel document that meets two requirements: it must be valid for at least 3 months after they leave and it must have been issued within the past 10 years.
French adult identity cards are valid for 15 years since 1 January 2014. This also applies to cards issued between 2004 and 2013, even if they say they're valid for 10 years.
We have an information sheet (PDF, 148 kB, 29.07.2021) that explains how to enter the Schengen area and the visa procedure. For more details, you can refer to our regulations on general entry and visa requirements (Section 2: Entry to Switzerland) and staying in Switzerland (Section 3: Staying in Switzerland).
Our organization provides an information sheet in PDF format (148 kB, last updated 29.07.2021) which provides details on the general procedure for entering the Schengen Area and obtaining a visa. For more specific information on entry and visa requirements for Switzerland, you can refer to section 2 on our website.
To write a letter of invitation for a visa to Switzerland, there is no specific format required, and the letter doesn't need to be officially certified. However, it must be written in one of the official Swiss languages (German, French, or Italian), and if it's in another language, a translation may be needed.
The letter should include a statement from the host (company or individual) confirming that the applicant is invited, full details of the host and the applicant (surname, first name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, and nationality), the duration of stay, and the date on which the letter was written. The host must sign the letter, and if it's a company, the letter should be signed by a person authorized to sign according to the commercial register.
If the host will cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and food, that can be mentioned in the letter. The letter may also include additional details and reasons for the stay in Switzerland. For more information and an example of a letter of invitation, please see our factsheet (PDF, 119 kB, 13.07.2020).
To stay in Switzerland, third-country nationals need to prove they have enough money by getting a "declaration of sponsorship" document. You can't get it online, but if you need it, the Swiss embassy or consulate can give it to you. If you don't need a visa to enter Switzerland, you might still need this document. The person signing the document promises to pay for any costs that might come up while you're in Switzerland, like medical bills or transportation. They need to cover up to CHF 30,000 for individuals or groups of up to ten people. For more details, you can check the "Information on Declaration of Sponsorship" factsheet.
To sponsor someone, give the sponsorship form to your local migration office. The contact details for the office can be found in the sponsorship information sheet.
Short-term visa applicants must have medical insurance that covers them for the entire length of their stay in Switzerland. The insurance should provide up to EUR 30,000 for costs related to medical repatriation, emergency medical assistance, emergency hospital care, and death expenses.
If you plan to visit Switzerland several times, you should have adequate insurance for the duration of your first stay and declare on the visa application form that you understand the requirement for further visits.
The visa applicant must purchase insurance from an authorized insurance company listed on the consulate's website or directly from the consulate. A third party can also buy insurance from a Swiss company for the visa applicant.
Swiss diplomatic missions do not recommend or ask visa applicants to request money from individuals in Switzerland. If you choose to send money to someone overseas, you do so at your own risk.
If your foreign national identity card is being renewed, contact the immigration authority in your area and apply for a return visa if needed. The visa is valid for travel within and outside the Schengen area.
If your passport has expired, but you plan to travel without a valid travel document, apply for a new passport at your country's diplomatic representation in Switzerland. Also, inform the cantonal migration authorities responsible for your residence about your situation.
If you need a visa for Switzerland, you can apply for it at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen member state where you plan to stay the longest. You must submit your application at least 15 days before your Swiss residence permit expires. However, if Switzerland is your main destination, you can contact the cantonal immigration office to extend your stay.
If you don't require a visa for Switzerland, you can stay in the country for up to 90 continuous days. If you plan to travel to another Schengen member state, you should check with the relevant authorities in that country to find out if and under what conditions you can stay there.
Click on this Foreign representations in Switzerland.
If your visa application is refused, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving the refusal. The notification of refusal will be provided in a standard visa refusal form. To appeal, you must provide a written statement (in German, French, or Italian) with grounds for the appeal. You can submit the appeal yourself or appoint a proxy, such as your host or host company in Switzerland. Submit your appeal to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern.
If you don't have an authorized proxy, you can submit the appeal to a Swiss representation abroad. SEM requires an advance payment for the visa appeal process.
After you submit the visa appeal, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and request that you pay an advance on costs of CHF 200.- within 30 days, as per Article 63 of the Administrative Procedure Act. SEM will provide a paying-in slip with their acknowledgment notice that you can use to make the payment.
It is important to note that the appeal should be submitted within 30 days of receiving the decision, and should include a clear explanation of the reasons for the appeal, any supporting evidence, and a copy of the decision being appealed. The appeal should also be sent to the Federal Administrative Court at the address provided. Appeals submitted after the 30-day deadline will not be considered.
To stay in Switzerland longer, talk to the immigration authorities in your area called Cantonal immigration and labor market authorities. But remember, usually you can only be in Switzerland for up to 90 days in a half-year.
To know about your application status, contact the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) via email, phone or post. If you applied for an entry visa, provide your personal details like your surname, first name, date of birth, nationality, and the reference number of the embassy where you submitted your application to get accurate information.
The local immigration authority in Switzerland is responsible for issuing residence permits. If you have any questions regarding residence permits, please contact your cantonal immigration and labor market authorities. Additionally, you can find more information about residence permits in Switzerland by visiting the Residence webpage.
If you have any questions regarding residence permits in Switzerland, you should contact your local cantonal immigration and labor market authorities. More information about Swiss residence permits is available on the Residence webpage. You can also find an overview of ID and visa provisions by nationality and particularities regardless of nationality on the website. Information on family reunification for foreign spouses of Swiss citizens and foreign nationals holding unlimited or limited residence permits is also available on the website in German, French, and Italian.
If you have any questions regarding residence permits in Switzerland, you should contact your local cantonal immigration and labor market authorities. More information about Swiss residence permits is available on the Residence webpage. You can also find an overview of ID and visa provisions by nationality and particularities regardless of nationality on the website. Information on family reunification for foreign spouses of Swiss citizens and foreign nationals holding unlimited or limited residence permits is also available on the website in German, French, and Italian.
Switzerland has a dual system for admitting foreign workers. Nationals from EU/EFTA member states benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, while a limited number of management-level employees, specialists, and other qualified employees from non-EU/EFTA countries are admitted.
For information about admission requirements for working in Switzerland, please visit the Labour/Work Permits webpage.
If you want to work in Switzerland and need information about gainful employment, legal bases, and the Free Movement of Persons, you can find them on the relevant webpages.
The local cantonal immigration and labor market authorities are responsible for issuing residence permits. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding residence permits in Switzerland, please contact them. More information about residence permits in Switzerland is available on the Residence webpage.
If you let foreign nationals stay at your place in exchange for money, you must tell the authorities right away. But if you let them stay for free, you might not have to tell the authorities. It depends on where you live, so you should get in touch with your local immigration and labor market authorities to find out more.
You can find data on the legal arrangements in regards to visa matters under the accompanying connection:
The data is accessible in German, French and Italian. Two records (Outline of ID and visa arrangements as per ethnicity + ID and visa arrangements - particularities in any case identity) are additionally accessible in English.
Kindly immediate every one of your inquiries to the Government Customs Organization
Tel.: +41 58 467 15 15
If you want to know about bringing animals into Switzerland, please visit the website of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO. If you have more questions, you can directly contact FSVO through phone at +41 58 463 30 33 or email.
To get information about buying property in Switzerland, you can contact the Federal Office of Justice, Federal Land Registry and Real Estate Law Office. Their address is Taubenstrasse 16, 3003 Bern. You can reach them through phone at +41 58 462 47 97 or visit their website.
To enter Switzerland, there are different requirements for notification or work permits and visas. If a company is registered in the EU or EFTA or certain third countries, they may not need notification or work permits for occasional passenger or goods transport journeys. However, regular passenger transport journeys always require authorization, and the driver may need a work permit. For entering Switzerland for work, the visa requirements depend on the driver's nationality, and transit journeys may not require authorization or visas.