Switzerland · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole area. Visa-exempt nationals need no visa; everyone else applies for a short-stay (type C) Schengen visa via the Swiss representation. Note Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU customs union, so customs allowances still apply at the border.
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others apply for a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa via the Swiss representation. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors — check the current requirement.
- Schengen short stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Visa-exempt nationals visit without a visa; others need a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa.
- A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — verify before booking.
- Tourist visits do not permit employment.
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has operated at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors are registered biometrically on entry and exit instead of having passports stamped.
- 1
Check your visa requirement
Check with the State Secretariat for Migration whether your nationality needs a short-stay visa, and the ETIAS position for visa-exempt travellers.
- 2
Apply via the Swiss representation
Apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate covering your residence, or its authorised visa centre.
- 3
Prepare the standard Schengen file
Typically: application form, passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance.
- 4
Expect customs checks even without passport control
Because Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, goods allowances are checked at the border even though Schengen removes routine passport control.
- 5
Count your 90/180 days correctly
The limit is a rolling calculation across all Schengen countries combined, including Switzerland. Track entries and exits across the whole area.
- Visa requirement and ETIAS status checked with SEM
- Swiss representation for your residence identified
- Itinerary, accommodation and funds documented
- Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance held
- Customs allowances checked (Switzerland is outside the EU customs union)
- Passport valid per Schengen rules
- 90/180 day count tracked across all Schengen states
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Official Swiss migration authority.
- ETIAS (official EU site)
Official EU travel-authorisation information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Switzerland in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Switzerland participates in Schengen, so the same 90/180 short-stay rule and the same type C visa apply. It is not an EU member and is outside the EU customs union, which is why customs rules still differ.
Why are there still border checks entering Switzerland?
Schengen removes routine passport control, but not customs. Because Switzerland sits outside the EU customs union, officers may still check goods and allowances when you cross.
Can I work during a tourist visit to Switzerland?
No. Tourist visits do not permit employment. Working in Switzerland requires a separate work and residence authorisation obtained before you start.
Government portals
- ch.ch — Swiss Authorities Online — Official information portal for federal, cantonal and communal authorities
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Visas, residence permits (B/C), and naturalisation
- Federal Tax Administration (FTA) — Federal tax and VAT (cantonal taxes are levied separately)
- EasyGov.swiss — One-stop company registration and business admin