Switzerland Visa Policy

Switzerland is a Western European country with a set of regulations that dictates which foreign nationals can enter the country with it without a visa. Overall, most visitors require visas unless they are from visa-exempt countries. Based on the rules, persons from one of the Schengen countries in Europe do not need visas to enter Switzerland because Schengen citizens enjoy visa-free travel for indefinite stays. Such visitors can also enter the country with valid ID cards if they need passports.

There is a second category of visa-free visitors who are not Schengen citizens. Visitors from this group can enter Switzerland visa-free but can only stay for a definite period of 90 days, a maximum of 180 days. Such persons can visit visa-free for transit, business, or tourism. However, they cannot visit with a valid ID but a passport and an ETIAS visa waiver permit. This permit is a security screening program for visa-exempt visitors.

Then there is a separate list containing about 150 foreign nations whose citizens must obtain Schengen visas at the Swiss embassy before they can enter the country, regardless of how long they wish to stay. Embassy applications must be submitted several weeks before the planned trip to be sorted and approved. 

Switzerland Visa-Free Countries

Despite its economic and political neutrality, Switzerland maintains the same visa-free list as other Schengen countries. Nationals from the following countries with ordinary passports can enter Switzerland for up to 90 days. They are as follows.

Visitors with Schengen visas may also travel to other Schengen states apart from Switzerland if they hold valid Schengen visas, as it is recognized by all nations in the Area.

Long-stay visas are valid for one year and above, while short-stay visas are valid for 90 days unless marked otherwise.

Persons with Schengen visas may also visit non-Schengen countries like Bulgaria, Romania, or Cyprus because they recognize the visa, have partially adopted Schengen policy, and desire not to be current members.

ETIAS Travel Permit

The European Travel Information and Authorization System permit (ETIAS) is a travel permit issued to visitors from visa-exempt countries. Before, all visa-free visitors required an ordinary passport, but with the introduction of the ETIAS visa waiver program, all nationals from visa-free countries must apply for and obtain their ETIAS approval before they are allowed to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country.

This permit is available online, and successful applicants will receive electronic approval through their email addresses. This approval is electronically linked to their passport, granting short-stay access of 90 days within a 180-day cycle. You can avail of this permit for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit. Essentially, it is a program to screen visitors for threats to EU countries' health and national security to prevent risky individuals from entering the region. It is also meant to track and prevent illegal migration.

Key Information About Switzerland ETIAS

Applicants for ETIAS should bear the following in mind ahead of their trip to Switzerland or when applying for ETIAS approval.

Limited Stay: When visiting Switzerland with ETIAS do not forget that there is a time limit placed on how long you can stay. The duration of stay is pegged at 90 days but within a 180 day period. This means that if you wish to stay longer, you will have to leave the country and wait for 6 months counting from your entry date before returning to the country.

Multiple Entry: ETIAS is a multiple entry document that allows you to visit Switzerland as many times as you want. You can also visit other Schengen countries and non Schengen countries that recognize and observe Schengen protocols. You may be limited to the number of days you can spend in Schengen countries but you are not limited to the number of countries you can visit.

Not For Employment: ETIAS is for short visits as a tourist, business visitor, international traveler or as a patient coming for medical care. You can't use it to get employed or to work a job in Switzerland or any other Schengen country for that matter. If you would like to work in Switzerland, apply for a work visa instead.

Use Designated Route: Always use designated routes when visiting Switzerland with your Etias permit. The air, land and sea routes are listed under each type. 

Application Fee: The application fee must be paid before the ETIAS application can be submitted. This application fee is paid with a credit or debit card. However, applicants under the age of 6 and above the age of 80 are exempted from paying fees.

Local Evaluation Unit:  Not all ETIAS applications not approved are rejected; some are forwarded to the local unit for further review. This process involves manually vetting the applicant's application using certain parameters and the process may take a few days or several weeks.

Entry Regulations: All visa exempt visitors with plans to visit other countries apart from Switzerland must indicate their primary destination in their application. According to entry regulations, the primary destination should be the first country you intend visiting and this country should appear in your form as part of your itinerary.

Switzerland Visa Online – Get your Switzerland e-Visa with VisaHQ

Do you plan to visit Switzerland anytime soon? You may need to apply for a visa if you are not from a visa-exempt country or a screening permit if you are from a visa-exempt country. Getting a screening permit is much easier for visa-exempt visitors because the application is done online with VisaHQ. You can apply for it and get it on the same day if you meet all the requirements.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

If you wish to apply for Etias before your trip to Switzerland, it will interest you to know that you can do it with VisaHQ. Here are the steps to take.

Fill out the form: Start by filling out the application form after choosing your desired option.

Provide your passport, Itinerary, and personal information. You must also answer all the security questions on the application.

Attach documents: The next step is to attach your valid documents. The ones you submit will depend on the permit you are applying for.

Get The Permit: The next step is to submit your application after paying the fee. The security screening takes only some minutes before the approval is forwarded to your email.

Why Use VisaHQ?

If you use VisaHQ, you are sure of the following

• Speedy application process
• Safe and secure platform
• Multiple applications
• Technical Support
• Expansive network of professionals across two continents

Visit our main page now to apply for your Etias.