(V12)
The visa requirement exemption applies only to holders of biometric passports.
Obligation to hold a visa: 

• with regard to exercising gainful occupation (even if the occupation does not exceed 8 days within a calendar year)

Exemption to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation:

• Holders of a long term residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa, provided they also hold a recognized travel document. 

(M: D)
Holders of a diplomatic passport are exempt from visa requirements if they wish to enter into Switzerland: on an official mission or for other travel purposes without exercising a gainful occupation.

Other nationalities

For other nationalities, please refer to the list on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM – Overview of ID and visa provisions according to the nationality (Annex 1, List 1: nationality)

If you are obliged to hold a visa, please apply for it and refer to the information on the webpage:

Where to apply for a Schengen visa?

If you are not obliged to hold a visa, you are allowed to enter Switzerland resp. the Schengen territory and stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any visa.

Additional information

SEM – FAQ Frequently asked questions