Entering Switzerland for a short-stay
If you're traveling to Switzerland for a short or long stay, you'll need to complete several formalities, particularly if you're not a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This article provides the essential information on entry requirements.
Conditions for European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens traveling to Switzerland
Under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (EFTA) citizens can enter Switzerland without a visa for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
During this time, you can work without needing a special work permit, including for services provided in Switzerland.
For stays longer than 90 days, EU and EFTA citizens must register with the cantonal migration authority and obtain a residence permit, which also allows them to work if conditions are met.
For international students in Switzerland, the residence permit is valid for one year and can generally be renewed until the end of their course.
Conditions for third-country nationals traveling to Switzerland
Citizens from non-EU and non-EFTA countries need a visa to enter Switzerland. Depending on your nationality, check the specific travel documents and visa requirements here.
The following conditions apply, depending on the duration of your stay:
For a stay of up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, study, or visiting relatives, you need to complete a Schengen visa application (C visa), which is valid for the entire Schengen area.
For stays longer than 90 days, you must fill out the national D visa application form.
Both forms are available on the State Secretariat for Migration website.
International students must also add the following documents to their application to enter Switzerland:
- Proof of enrolment in an educational establishment;
- A personal study plan stating the purpose of the studies;
- A certificate of school attendance or enrollment;
- CV (in some instances).
Travel documents required for entry into Switzerland
All foreign nationals must carry an identity document, which should remain valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from Switzerland.
Note that extensions of a travel document's validity, as notified by the issuing authority, are not recognized. The original issue date of the document is what matters.
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