Entering Switzerland

The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been gradually introduced throughout the Schengen area since October 12, 2025.

Travellers are asked to obtain information from the official EES website of the European Commission.

You have the right to receive information as to whether your personal data is processed in the EES (Entry/Exit System). You have the option of accessing this information and having it corrected or deleted. For more information, please visit the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) website.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) ist ein neues europäisches Reisegenehmigungssystem. Es funktioniert ähnlich wie das «Electronic System for travel authorization» (ESTA) der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika oder die «Electronic Travel Authorisation» des Vereinigten Königreichs.

Staatsangehörige aus 59 Ländern müssen künftig vor Antritt ihrer Reise in den Schengen-Raum via Website der Europäischen Union oder mittels App eine gebührenpflichtige ETIAS-Reisegenehmigung beantragen. Diese wird 20 Euro kosten und grundsätzlich 3 Jahre gültig sein.

ETIAS wird im letzten Quartal 2026 eingeführt. Zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt müssen Reisende keine Vorkehrungen treffen. Die Europäische Union wird mehrere Monate vor Inkrafttreten von ETIAS über das genaue Datum informieren.

Weiterführende Informationen zu ETIAS sind auf der offiziellen ETIAS Website der Europäischen Union zu finden. Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen von Reisenden, Angehörigen von Reisenden, Reiseunternehmen und weitere bieten die FAQ.

Vorsicht: Im Internet gibt es zahlreiche Websites mit falschen Informationen zu ETIAS. Die einzigen Internetseiten mit verlässlichen Informationen ist jene der EU: ETIAS - European Union und des SEM Brauche ich ein ETIAS?

Can I enter Switzerland?

The regulations on entering Switzerland depend on your nationality, how long you want to stay in Switzerland and why. In general, a distinction is made between persons from EU/EFTA states and those from third countries. The regulations also depend on whether you want to work in Switzerland.

Do I require a visa?

If you are a citizen of an EU or EFTA state, you do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. If you are a citizen of a non-EU or EFTA state, please check the overview of ID and visa provisions to see if you require a visa. If you have a visa of category C or D of another Schengen member state, this visa is also valid for Switzerland during its period of validity.

Where and how can I apply for a visa?

In certain cases you can apply for a visa online. You can find out whether this is possible in our online visa system. If you cannot apply for a visa online, you can submit a visa application at a Swiss embassy or consulate.

There are two different application forms. If you want to stay in Switzerland for less than 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen visa. For long-term stays, you must apply for a national type D visa.

Do I need an ETIAS?

ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new European travel authorisation system similar to the ESTA in the USA, or ETA in the UK. Visa-exempt third-country nationals who wish to enter the Schengen area will be required to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation before starting their journey to the Schengen area. This will cost 20 euros and will generally be valid for 3 years.

The introduction of ETIAS is determined by the EU timetable and is planned for the last quarter of 2026. At this point no applications are collected. Further information can be found on the official ETIAS official ETIAS website of the EU.