Visa requirements

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.

Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa-Free Entry (Tourist))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Fee
Free
Validity
90 days within any 180-day rolling period
Entry
Multiple entry

Switzerland is a Schengen member but not an EU member. The same 90/180-day rule applies across all 29 Schengen states. ETIAS pre-travel authorization expected to launch late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of Annex II countries with valid passports. Some countries require biometric passports specifically.

    Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Republic of), Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova (Republic of), Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Province of China, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

  • Criminal record

    No Schengen Information System (SIS) alerts. No entry bans in effect.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, credit cards, or cash; Minimum amount: CHF 100 per day

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Entire Schengen Area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or invitation letter from host; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

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Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourist)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
15-45 calendar days
Fee
EUR 90
Validity
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Entry
Single entry

Applications must be submitted no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before planned travel. Apply at the Swiss embassy/consulate or authorized visa application center (TLScontact/VFS Global).

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of Annex I countries (EU Regulation 2018/1806) requiring a Schengen visa.

  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the stay. Approximately CHF 100 per day.

    Minimum funds: CHF 100 per day

  • Criminal record

    No active SIS alerts or entry bans. Criminal record may be checked.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, taken within last 6 months, white background, face clearly visible

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: CHF 100 per day of stay; Months required: 6

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment letter with salary, sponsorship letter, or proof of regular income; Minimum amount: CHF 100 per day

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: All Schengen states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host with proof of residence; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form; Form url: https://www.swiss-visa.ch/ivis2/

  • Cover letter

    Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: At embassy/consulate or visa application center; Amount: EUR 90 adults, EUR 45 children 6-11

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Fill out the Schengen visa application form online at swiss-visa.ch or download and complete the paper form.

  2. Document gathering

    Collect all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, flight bookings, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment verification.

  3. Appointment booking

    Schedule an appointment at the Swiss embassy/consulate or authorized visa application center (TLScontact or VFS Global) in your country of residence.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 (adults) or EUR 45 (children 6-11) at the appointment. Additional service center fees may apply.

  5. Document submission

    Submit all documents in person at the Swiss embassy/consulate or visa application center.

  6. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photo) at the appointment. Biometrics are valid for 59 months and may be reused for subsequent applications.

  7. Processing wait

    Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. In exceptional cases, may extend to 30-45 days.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or visa application center. May be sent by courier in some locations.

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Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa-Free Entry (Tourist) - EU/EFTA/Schengen Nationals)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Fee
Free
Validity
Unlimited for EU/EFTA/Schengen nationals
Entry
Multiple entry

Under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) between Switzerland and the EU, EU/EFTA nationals enjoy freedom of movement. Right to stay beyond 3 months requires registration.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of EU, EEA, EFTA, and Schengen member states.

    Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.