Switzerland
General visa requirements for travelling to Switzerland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic / Official Passport Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days within 180-day period for short diplomatic visits. No limit for EU/EFTA nationals.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Bilateral diplomatic passport visa-exemption agreements vary by country. Some countries in the visa-required list have specific agreements allowing visa-free diplomatic passport entry. Check with the Swiss FDFA for country-specific bilateral agreements.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Diplomatic/official passport holders from visa-exempt countries, EU/EFTA states, and countries with bilateral diplomatic visa-exemption agreements.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 3
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa / Official Mission Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 1-4 weeks
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- Duration of diplomatic assignment or official mission
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Switzerland has bilateral agreements with many countries for visa-free diplomatic passport travel. Diplomats accredited to international organizations in Geneva follow FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) procedures. Ci permit available for family members of diplomats and international civil servants.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from countries requiring visas. Many countries have bilateral visa-exemption agreements for diplomatic passports.
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Purpose of visit
Official government business, diplomatic missions, international organization assignments, or accreditation.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Official diplomatic note verbale from the sending state's government or international organization, specifying purpose and duration of mission
How to apply
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Document submission
Sending government or international organization submits note verbale to the Swiss embassy/consulate or FDFA through diplomatic channels.
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Processing wait
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs processes the diplomatic visa request.
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Visa collection
Visa issued through diplomatic channels or collected at the Swiss embassy/consulate.