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6 ways to enter

Switzerland visas

Switzerland tourist visa

Some visitors can enter Switzerland without a visa. Others need a short-stay Schengen visa.

Ways to get a Switzerland tourist visa

  1. Visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Holders of ordinary passports from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for pleasure without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Schengen visitor visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Up to five years. New applicants normally receive validity covering their intended trip.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    EUR 90 standard; EUR 45 for children aged 6–12; free for children under 6. An external service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Appointment shortages and delays can occur.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate responsible for your main Schengen destination.
    2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry, directly or through an appointed external service.
    3. Attend in person for your first application and interview.
    4. Provide required supporting documents, fingerprints and a digital photo, and pay the applicable fee.

  4. Visit using an existing visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit Switzerland without an additional visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

  5. Visa-free visit for refugees and stateless people

    No visa needed

    Refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom qualify for Switzerland's listed exemption.

  6. New Zealand bilateral visa waiver

    No visa needed

    New Zealand citizens have a separate visa-waiver arrangement covering Switzerland.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in Switzerland without reference to time spent in other Schengen countries.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other exemptions cover European free movement, certain residence permits and family residence cards.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Switzerland's embassy or consulate if Switzerland is your only or main destination. If no main destination can be identified, apply to the Schengen country you will enter first.
  2. Submit your application no more than six months before your planned entry. An appointed external service may collect it.
  3. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview.
  4. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required. Children under 12 do not give fingerprints. Biometrics provided within the previous 59 months may be reused.
  5. Pay the applicable fee and wait for a decision.

What to bring

  • Travel document.
  • Supporting documents for the application.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required.

Good to know

  • Count short stays across the whole Schengen Area together. Time in Gibraltar also counts towards the visa-free allowance.
  • Visa-free visitors must have a travel document issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least three months after their planned departure.
  • Visa-free visitors must explain their trip and have enough money for their stay and return or onward journey.
  • Switzerland's funds requirement is CHF 100 per day, or CHF 30 per day for students.
  • Visa-free visitors must not be flagged for refusal of entry or considered a threat to security, public health, public policy or international relations.
  • A Schengen visa issued by another member country normally covers Switzerland unless it says otherwise.
  • Visa validity and permitted stay are different. A five-year visa does not allow a five-year visit.
  • A shared online visa application platform is planned. This does not establish an available Swiss e-Visa programme.
  • Some fees can be waived or reduced. In specified cases involving countries that do not cooperate on migrant readmission, the visa fee can rise to EUR 180, except for children under 12.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Switzerland?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa. Citizens of the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other exemptions cover European free movement, certain residence permits and family residence cards.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Switzerland?

There are 6 options: Visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Schengen visitor visa (a visa from an embassy); European freedom of movement (no visa at all); Visit using an existing visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visa-free visit for refugees and stateless people (no visa at all); New Zealand bilateral visa waiver (no visa at all).

Who can go to Switzerland without a tourist visa?

Holders of ordinary passports from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for pleasure without a visa. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein can enter, live and work in Switzerland without a visa under free movement arrangements. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit Switzerland without an additional visa. Refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland or the United Kingdom qualify for Switzerland's listed exemption. New Zealand citizens have a separate visa-waiver arrangement covering Switzerland.

How long can I stay on a Switzerland tourist visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Switzerland tourist visa cost?

Standard visa fee: EUR 90. Children aged 6–12: EUR 45. Children under 6: free. An external application service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.

How long does a Switzerland tourist visa take?

15 calendar days after an admissible application is lodged, if there are no issues. Appointment shortages and delays can occur.

How long is a Switzerland tourist visa valid?

Usually covers the intended trip for new applicants. Visas can be valid for up to five years. Entries: One, two or multiple entries, as issued..

What documents do I need for a Switzerland tourist visa?

Travel document.; Supporting documents for the application.; Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required..

How do I apply for a Switzerland tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply to Switzerland's embassy or consulate if Switzerland is your only or main destination. If no main destination can be identified, apply to the Schengen country you will enter first. 2. 2. Submit your application no more than six months before your planned entry. An appointed external service may collect it. 3. 3. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview. 4. 4. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required. Children under 12 do not give fingerprints. Biometrics provided within the previous 59 months may be reused. 5. 5. Pay the applicable fee and wait for a decision.

What rules do I have to follow on a Switzerland tourist visa?

Count short stays across the whole Schengen Area together. Time in Gibraltar also counts towards the visa-free allowance. Visa-free visitors must have a travel document issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least three months after their planned departure. Visa-free visitors must explain their trip and have enough money for their stay and return or onward journey. Switzerland's funds requirement is CHF 100 per day, or CHF 30 per day for students.

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