General

All foreign nationals must hold a valid travel document to enter Switzerland. In the case of EU nationals, an ID card is usually acceptable, while other nationals must hold a valid passport and may also require a visa. Details of visa requirements for Switzerland are on the website of the Federal Office for Migration. Evidence is also required of adequate funds to support your stay in Switzerland.

It is possible to stay for up to three months in Switzerland without requiring a residence permit. Anyone not holding a residence permit must leave the country for at least one month before returning, and cannot spend more than a total of six months in Switzerland within a year.

Visa Requirements

Visa is required by all except the following for a stay of up to 3 months:

• nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US;
• nationals of countries in South and Central America (except nationals of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru who do need a visa);
• nationals of Caribbean island states (except nationals of Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti who do need a visa);
• nationals of Andorra, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tuvalu and Vatican City;
• nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey provided they are resident in Canada, Iceland, Norway, USA or EU countries.

Passport, valid for 3 months after intended period of stay, required by all except:

• nationals of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain holding a valid national ID card;
• foreigners holding national Identity Cards issued by the governments of Belgium, France or Luxembourg, provided they are resident in one of these countries;
• nationals of Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia holding valid national ID cards.

Documentation

• Completed application form.
• 1 recent, passport-size photo.
• Passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after intended visit.
• Fee, payable in cash or by postal order.
• Return/onward ticket and visa for next country of destination if required.
• Proof of sufficient funds in the form of a recent bank statement.

For visitors staying with Swiss residents, a declaration of guarantee completed by the applicant and the resident, which must then be endorsed by the Aliens Police of the resident's canton.

For a business visa, proof of existing business connections or an invitation from Swiss company or business partner.

Processing Time

Generally 24 hours although travellers are advised to apply at least one week prior to departure. Some applications may need to be referred to the Swiss authorities, which can take 6-8 weeks for approval.