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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Information about travel to Switzerland related to COVID-19

Until further notice, entry to Switzerland has been restricted.  

Exemptions are granted for the following travelers:  

  • You are a Swiss citizen

For further exemptions, visit the following website: SEM FAQ border closure

If you are eligible for an exemption but do not have documentation to prove this to the airline company and immigration officer at the Swiss border, please contact sanjose@eda.admin.ch  (NO phone calls please), provide your first name, last name, date of birth and nationality, and specify your situation and needs.  

If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another foreign country, you must also check the entry restrictions of that country.

For further information, please consult the COVID-19-Ordinance or the website of the State Secretariat of Migration.

 

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

 

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 07.07.2020