Switzerland Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | See below | No | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU) but a member of the Schengen Agreement. This means it allows free movements of EU nationals for up to 90 days.
EU nationals: When travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another by car, you are not required to show a passport or national ID card. However, transport providers like airlines, train operators and ferry companies will require you to show your passport or ID card to prove your identity.
Non-EU nationals: You must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and with at least three months validity after the day you plan to leave, along with a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of stay. Beware that Cyprus and Ireland are EU members, but they are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries.
Passport Note
Liechtenstein: Regulations apply to Liechtenstein as Switzerland handles immigration and customs enforcement for Liechtenstein.
Basel Airport (BSL), also known as Mulhouse (MLH) or EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (EAP): Passengers arriving at this airport can enter either France or Switzerland, provided that they have the appropriate documentation for the destination country. On the EuroAirport website, it states that pedestrians can cross the border between France and Switzerland inside the terminal without needing a plane ticket, but they must carry a valid passport or identity document. The international section is on the departure level (level 3) and is open from 4am and until 30 minutes after the last arrival (around midnight). Beware that you can't cross the border through the car parks.
Geneva Airport (GVA), also known as Cointrin Airport: Passengers arriving at this airport can enter either France or Switzerland if they have the appropriate documentation for the destination country. Beware that passengers arriving on international flights must first pass through Swiss customs before accessing the exit to France. Also, only passengers with a valid air ticket for the day (or plus and minus one day) can pass through the international section between France and Switzerland within the airport.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Sweden. But those planning to stay longer than 90 days must register their right of residence with the Swedish Migration Agency.
Non-EU Nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Sweden and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (passport must include an identity card number), Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia (biometric passports only; excluding those issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
For nationals from countries not listed here, please contact the nearest embassy to check the visa requirements for Switzerland.
Do check the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration website for the most up-to-date information.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (Schengen C) visa: €90 for those aged 12 and above, €45 for children aged six to 11, and free for children under six. Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and family members of EU/EEA citizens, are exempt from fees.
Validity
The Schengen C visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Transit
If you are transiting through a Swedish airport, you may need an airport transit (A) visa depending on your nationality. Check with a Swiss embassy or consulate before travelling.
Application to
Apply online via https://www.swiss-visa.ch.
Schengen Visas
Switzerland is a Schengen country, so the Schengen visa scheme applies.
Temporary residence
EU nationals: Need to obtain a residence permit if the stay is more than 90 days.
Working days
Schengen visa applications usually take 15 calendar days, but sometimes up to 45 days. Be mindful of the national holidays in Switzerland as they may affect the processing time. It is recommended to submit applications at least four weeks prior to departure.
Sufficient Funds
Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of funds to cover their stay.
Extension of stay
Schengen visa holders with a visa valid for less than 90 days can only extend their visas in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or for humanitarian reasons.
Entry with pets
Pets entering Switzerland from EU countries must have a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. Pets from non-EU countries must meet EU requirements, including a veterinary certificate and, if applicable, a rabies antibody test.
Pets should enter Switzerland through authorised entry points, such as Zurich Airport, where necessary checks can be conducted. Owners are strongly advised to consult the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) for the latest requirements.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
