The pandemic related entry restrictions to Switzerland continue to apply to third-country nationals who wish to enter Switzerland directly from the United Kingdom. Exceptions to the entry regulations can be made for cases of special necessity. Furthermore, third-country nationals who can prove that they have been fully vaccinated are allowed to enter Switzerland as of June 26, 2021.
Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland
| Visa type C (stay up to 90 days), for vaccinated persons | Book your appointment at the TLScontact application centre here |
| Visa type D (stay of more than 90 days), national visa |
Book your appointment at the Embassy of Switzerland here |
| Visa type C (stay up to 90 days) for cases of special necessity according to the State Secretariat for Migration FAQ Corona -> What constitutes a case of special necessity | Please send an email stating your case and providing supporting documents to London.visa@eda.admin.ch |
We are now in the position to accept visa applications. Appointments will be available from August 2021:
Important Information for British Citizens
UK citizens do not require an entry visa for Switzerland, neither for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen Area) nor for long stays (over 90 days).
However, as of January 1, 2021, the application process and conditions to be fulfilled for Swiss residence, student and work permits for UK citizens have changed. All queries about obtaining the necessary permit for living, studying and working in Switzerland must be addressed directly to the responsible cantonal immigration and labour market authorities and not to this Embassy.
Important Information for holders of British Travel Documents (Convention of 28 July 1951 and Convention of 28 September 1954)
This category of travelers do not need a visa for short stays in Switzerland up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are planning on entering the Schengen area through another Schengen state, please check with their respective authorities, whether they have the same entry requirements.
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.
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.
