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Visas

Entering Switzerland

 

To enter Switzerland, it is generally enough to have a valid passport. For certain countries a visa is required only if the stay is to be for more than three months; for others, the visa is required for shorter visits as well. It is advisable to inform yourself, before the trip, at:

 

 

If you want to know what the travel documents and visa requirements are according to nationality, please go to this link: Travel documents and visa requirements by nationality.

 

If the activity envisaged is to be remunerated, a visa is always required. This is issued by the Service Étrangers et Confédérés (SEC), being responsible for immigration questions. (See: "Work permits")

 

The following information may be of use to you: information about entry into Switzerland (FAQ – Frequently asked questions).

 

How to request a visa

 

Anyone requiring a visa must make the request to the appropriate Swiss representation abroad, in accordance with their place of residence, using the visa request form foreseen for this purpose and available free of charge at the representation. The request must be accompanied by the travel documents and, as required, other supporting documentation explaining the purpose and circumstances of the planned visit or transit.

 

The association inviting must act as guarantor of the person invited to Geneva. An attestation of medical/accident/repatriation insurance, valid for the whole period of the stay, may also be required. 

 

Travel insurance

  
"The competent authorities require any person visiting Switzerland to have travel insurance that covers the costs of emergency rescue, repatriation for medical reasons or emergency medical assistance, as well as emergency hospital care in case of accident or sudden illness during the stay. The minimum insurance coverage has to be euro 30,000.

 

The travel insurance has to be taken out with an insurance company which

  1. has its head offices or a branch in Switzerland, in the Principality of Liechtenstein or in an EU or EFTA State;
  2. is authorised to issue travel insurance policies by the supervisory body competent for its head offices.

A list of the insurance companies authorised in Switzerland is available on the website of FINMA (www.finma.ch), in the category "Beaufsichtigte", the document under the title "Versicherungsunternehmen unter Aufsicht FINMA". All insurances listed in categories B1, B2 and / or B18 have the authorisation to offer travel insurances." (Source: Federal office for Migration)

 

Letter of invitation

 

"There is no special form for writing a letter of invitation. However, the letter must include at least the following elements:

 

  • declaration by the host that he is expecting the visa applicant;
  • contact numbers and addresses of the host and applicant;
  • the letter must be dated;
  • the letter must be signed by the host.

The letter of invitation can also include the following information, in particular:

  • a note that the host intends to provide food and accommodation to the applicant;
  • any further information pertaining to the reasons for the applicant’s visit to Switzerland". (source: Federal office for Migration)

 

Schengen Agreement

 

The Schengen and Dublin agreements officially came into force for Switzerland on  the 12th of December 2008. As a result:

 

  • Schengen visas are recognised for entry into Switzerland (all nationalities)
  •  It is enough to have a Residence permit for Switzerland (permits L, B, C), accompanied by a passport, in order to travel throughout the Schengen Area without a visa.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

For more detailed information, you may consult the Schengen/Dublin chapter.