Switzerland transit visa

Unless exempt, citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Syria and Turkey need an airport transit visa in Switzerland. Exemptions cover holders of specified visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market nationals and flight crew.

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

Less than one day for the general visa-free airport transfer rule.

Any qualifying visa, residence permit or diplomatic passport used to claim an exemption..

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transfer through one airport, remain in its international transit area and leave in less than 24 hours. Your flights and the airport layout must allow this. Nationalities subject to an airport transit visa requirement need an exemption to use this route without that visa.

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The visa-free airport transfer rule only applies inside the international transit area. If your connection requires you to leave it, the normal rules for entering Switzerland apply.

Your connection must be possible without leaving the international transit area. The general visa-free transfer rule covers one airport only.

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Switzerland visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

On Switzerland's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.