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Entry with visa

The SEM does not issue visas. Swiss representations abroad are responsible for issuing and refusing visas. Further information can be found here:
Where and how can I apply for a visa?

 
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA) who require a visa must meet the following entry requirements in order to enter Switzerland:

  • They must be in possession of a valid C visa (Schengen visa), a valid D visa (national visa), or a valid residence permit from a Schengen country (List of Residence Permits Issued by Member States (PDF, 3 MB, 28.08.2025));
  • they must be in possession of a recognized travel document that was issued less than ten years ago and is valid for at least three months after the date of their intended departure from the Schengen area (for holders of C visas) or until the date of departure (for holders of D visas and residence permits) (the date of issue is only relevant for entry into the Schengen area);
  • they provide evidence of the purpose and circumstances of their stay in Switzerland and/or the country(ies) they intend to visit;
  • they have sufficient financial means for the duration of their intended stay and for their return to their country of origin or for transit to a third country, or are in a position to acquire such means legally;
  • they are not listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for refusal of entry;
  • they do not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Schengen states;
  • they have not been sentenced to expulsion or to a measure of exclusion.

Relevant regulations for entering Switzerland

Annexes to the Visahandbook I

  • Annex 10: Recognized travel documents

    To ensure that the most recent documents are available at all times, reference is made to the website of the European Commission. The documents can be found at the bottom of the page under «Related documents»: (Travel documents issued by third countries and territorial entities (Part I); Travel documents issued by Member States (Part II); Travel documents issued by international organisations and other entities subject to international law (Part III); List of known fantasy and camouflage passports).

Annexes to the Visa Provisions FOM

Last modification 11.10.2025

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