Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Information about travel to Switzerland

Coronavirus Health Related Requirements for traveling to Switzerland

As of 17 February 2022, health-related measures for persons entering Switzerland have been lifted. It is no longer necessary to provide a proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test, or to complete an entry form.

The COVID-19 certificate requirement within Switzerland for access to facilities such as cinemas, theatres, restaurants and events is lifted. For more information, kindly consult the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) Entering Switzerland and COVID-19 certificate.

Depending on the airline, different rules may apply. It is strongly recommended to contact your airline in time, in order to confirm the boarding requirements.

Important information "Entry into Switzerland and Visa for Switzerland"

Entry restrictions implemented by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) are different from the health related requirements for traveling to Switzerland.

Effective from 02.05.2022, Japan is no longer considered a high-risk country. The normal entry requirements apply again to any person entering Switzerland.

To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland please consult the online FOPH - Travel Check.

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

Other countries might be on the list of risk countries of the SEM. Entry restrictions continue to apply for entry from these states. The list will be adjusted as necessary. We therefore recommend that you consult the website of the SEM regularly for more information

Following links might be useful:

FOPH Infoline for Travelers to Switzerland: +41 58 464 44 88

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.