Switzerland Travel Guide

Switzerland — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	1/2/3	No	No
USA	Yes	No	No
Canadian	Yes	No	No
Australian	Yes	No	No
British	Yes	No	No

Passport valid for three months after intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. Nationals of the EU, holding a valid national identity card, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months;
2. Nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain with normal passports, expired for up to five years, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months;
3. Nationals of Germany with passports expired for up to one year.

Passport Notes

Switzerland joined the Schengen Agreement on 12 December 2008.

Regulations also apply to Liechtenstein (no border control between the two countries).

Passengers arriving at Basel or Geneva airports can enter either France or Switzerland, provided their documents for the country of entry are in order; both airports have two different exits, one to France and one to Switzerland. Therefore passengers can exit to the French part of the airport with a valid French or Schengen visa, if required.

The airport of Basel/Mulhouse is located on French territory.

Part of Geneva airport is located by convention in France and some flights between France and Geneva are considered as domestic flights while others are considered international flights. In this case, passengers must hold proper entry documents for either of the destination countries.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.

Visa Note

(a) Tourists and business visitors who travel repeatedly to Switzerland but stay less than three months each time must apply for a residence permit if their total stay exceeds six months within a period of 12 months.
(b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Travel Warnings

Most visits to Switzerland are trouble-free, however, crime does occur and you should be aware that petty theft is on the increase. Be particularly alert to pickpockets, confidence tricksters and thieves in city centers, airports, railway stations and other public places. If traveling overnight by train, you should take precautions against being burgled while you sleep by opportunist thieves.

Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

There is a moderate danger of avalanches throughout the year in Switzerland's Alpine regions. It is advised to exercise due care and attention and observe all written notices and warning instructions.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

If European visitors or any of their dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to Switzerland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full travel insurance is advised for all travelers.