Planning On Visiting Switzerland? Find Out If You Need A Visa

Switzerland may be a small country, but it’s jam-packed with amazing Alpine views, culture-packed cities and fairytale castles. Who wouldn’t want to visit? However, if you are dreaming of visiting this cultural nation, find out if you need a visa to enter.

What you need to know to visit Switzerland

Among its many attractions, Switzerland is famous for a number of reasons. First, there is the tale of Heidi, which originated in these Alpine lands. Naturally, there is also Swiss chocolate, delicious fondue, Swiss watches and knives and wonderful Christmas markets.

While the attractions are clear, Switzerland’s entry requirements are not always clear and easy to understand. Let’s have a look at the various visa types available and the rules you need to follow for a trouble-free vacation.

Do EU citizens require a visa?

There is good news for EU citizens as, while Switzerland is not a European Union (EU) nation, it is part of the Schengen area. This means that nationals from the 26 Schengen countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, need no visa to enter. Moreover, there is no limit on how long travelers from Schengen nations can stay in Switzerland.

Meanwhile, along with Schengen countries, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, visitors from the UK and USA, do not require a visa to visit, whether as a tourist or on business. On top of this, citizens of other EU countries, not included in the Schengen area, including Icelanders and Norwegians can also enter the country without a visa. However, in this case, a maximum 90-day stay can be enjoyed within a 180-day period.

Visitors traveling from outside the European Union

Those traveling from a non-EU country will require a passport or EU identity card, and a visa, if required, to clear customs. All non-EU travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the scheduled departure date from Switzerland. Also, the passport must have been issued within the past ten years.

Those travelers visiting from a country outside the EU bloc, that isn’t on a visa waiver list, will need to apply for a short-stay Schengen Visa to visit Switzerland. However, this visa does allow for unlimited travel throughout the 26 Schengen zone countries for a period of 90 days.

Meanwhile, anyone planning to visit other countries on top of Switzerland during the same trip, should apply for their visa at the consulate of the country in which they will spend the most time.

It is important to note that, while in Switzerland, travelers should have their passports with them at all times. As Swiss citizens are required to always carry ID, visitors also need to be able to identify themselves at any given time.

Applying for a visa for Switzerland

Those requiring a visa should apply at the nearest Swiss consulate in their country of origin. They will need to produce two recent passport-size photographs. Also, a valid travel document is required, with at least three months longer than that of the visa requested.

Travelers should bear in mind that they may also be asked to show a return ticket, along with proof of full medical insurance for their stay. Moreover, proof must be given of financial means to support themselves during their visit. On top of this, they will also need proof of civil status, details of accommodation and proof the visit is for tourism purposes.

To find a list of Swiss embassies abroad and embassies in Switzerland, visit the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFD) website. Embassies can be found in Bern, but Geneva and Zürich have a number of consulates.

As to the cost, Schengen visas are €80 (US$83) for adults and €40 (US$41.50) for children (aged 6 -12. However, there is no charge for children under the age of 6. Please note that visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances.

Working vacation in Switzerland

When it comes to a working vacation, EU citizens, Icelanders and Norwegians are permitted to work in the country. In fact, they can do so for up to 90 days a year without applying for a permit. However, other foreign travelers and EU citizens on longer assignments will need to apply for a permit. Find out information from the website of the State Secretariat for Migration.

Do travelers require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination?

In the wake of the pandemic, travelers are not currently required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination on arrival in Switzerland. Moreover, proof of recovery or recent testing is also not required. Meanwhile, the use of masks is not mandatory but is recommended on public transport or in crowded indoor spaces.

Whether visiting the Christmas markets or planning a summer trip to Switzerland, ensure your documents are in order.