Do US citizens need a visa for Switzerland?
Citizens of the United States with a valid U.S. Tourist passport (blue passport) can travel to Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without having to apply or obtain a Schengen visa.
Despite the fact that US citizens do not need to obtain a Switzerland visa prior to their travel to Switzerland, they still need to have some documents with them in order to be allowed to enter Switzerland. For more information check “What Documents do Americans Need to Enter Switzerland?
Note: (Starting in 2024, US citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS visaprior to their travel towards Switzerland and other Schengen member states, in order to be allowed to enter the territory.)
Stat:As per 2017, Switzerland has issued a total of 451,528 uniform Schengen visas from 517,010 visa applications received at Swiss consulates and embassies around the world. The Visa rejection rate was 7.25%.
In this article, you can find information about Switzerland Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for the US Citizens and US Residents.
Who can apply for a Visa to Switzerland from within the US?
All non-US citizens who do need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, who have legal residence status in the United States (e.g. Green Card holders; F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.). with three (3) months validityafter returning from Switzerland. If your US visa has expired, please have it renewed before applying.
You should apply for a visa at the Embassy of Switzerland in the US if:
- Switzerland is theonlySchengen country you plan on visiting
- Switzerland is yourmain destination(the country you will be staying the longest in)
- Switzerland is thefirstSchengen country you are visiting
In case you plan on staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days you must apply for a residency permit, not aSwitzerland Schengen visa.
Please, note that if you are not a resident in the United States you should apply at the Switzerland Embassy in your country of residence.
Switzerland Visa application documents and requirements for US residents
The following list of documents are required in order to obtain a Switzerland visa in the US:
- A valid passport or Travel document. Please make sure that:
- Your passport has been issued (not extended) within the previous 10 years,
- Your passport has 2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
- Your passport will be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
- Original of valid US alien registration card (residence permit aka. Green Card) or valid US residence visa (e.g. type A, E, F plus endorsed I-20 by the competent authority, G: H; I; J; plus J1 documents, L, O, R) must be presented.
- The US residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States.
- One application form (please see below)filled out completely and signed by the applicant (please read theexplanationscarefully).
- One passport format photo that has a light background, is brightly coloured and shows full face features. The photo must be less than three months old and be glued on the application form. Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
- A cover letterthat explains the purpose of the visit to Switzerland
- Proof of travel arrangements:Round trip flight/travel reservations or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary of your visit to Switzerland (if several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers the several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
- Travel Health Insurance for Switzerland – stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation not just in Switzerland, but in the whole Schengen zone (minimum coverage of € 30.000).
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland:
- Evidence of a hotel booking or rental agreement (Find and Book Cheap Hotels in Switzerland!), or
- Invitation from your Swiss host (family member, friend) along with a copy of their passport or ID (Proof of sponsorship if dependant)
- Proof of financial subsistence:
- As the European Commission informs, according to the Swiss Aliens Act of 16 December 2005 (RS 142.20), a foreign national who wants to enter and reside in the territory of Switzerland must be able to attest owning at least100 CHFor92.34€/dayon his disposition during its stay in Switzerland, while, in case the foreigner is a student possessing a valid student ID this amount reduces to30 CHFor27.70€/day. A foreigner is obliged to provide such proof of sufficient financial means, the momentapplying for a Swiss Visatothe Swiss Embassy or Consulate in the United States.
Note: Photocopies of the original documents should also be submitted and documents should not be more than one month old.
The documents listed above are documents required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of your visit to Switzerland.
Depending on your employment status, here is a list of additional documents that are required for your visa application:
For employees:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For foreign students on F1 visas:
- Valid I-20
- Reference letter from the educational institution (school/college/university) stating that you are in good standing, your major and the expected date of graduation.
For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
- A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date,
- Spouse’s valid passport
- An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation must be in English, German, French or Italian and must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place.
Required documents for visa application for underage children
- Original birth certificate among others.
- Signed travel consent from both parents
- If one parent is not located in the United States they should submit their signed consent to the Swiss Embassy/Consulate of their residing country
Note: All documents must be either in English, German, French or Italian or officially translated by a certified translator.
To find more about the documentation needed for applying for a visa to Switzerland clickhttps://www.schengenvisainfo.com/switzerland/visa/
Where and how to applyfor a Swiss Visa in the US?
Swiss consular services are available through its Embassy in Washington and Consulates in Atlanta, New York and San Francisco.
All Swiss Missions in the United States, require that youschedule an appointment in order to apply for a visa. Appointments have to be booked via afree online appointment system.Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person.
Switzerland Visa Appointment Requirements for US Residents
Embassy of Switzerland in Washington
The Swiss Embassy in Washington only accepts visa applications from residents ofDistrict of Columbia (DC), Delaware (DE), Kentucky (KY), Maryland (MD), Virginia (VA), West Virginia (WV), Northern Mariana Islands (MP), Guam (GU)
All applications must be submitted in person, by appointment only. Please click on this link to obtain an appointment through the online appointment system.
Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta
The Swiss Consulate in Atlanta only accepts visa applications from residents of Alabama (AL), Arkansas (AR), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Louisiana (LA), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), Oklahoma (OK), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Cayman Islands.
All applications must be submitted in person, by appointment only. Please click on this link to obtain an appointment through the online appointment system.
The waiting time for an appointment may be up to5 weeks, especially during the high season in summer or during the holiday season. Applicants are therefore advised to book their appointments as early as possible.
Consulate General of Switzerland in New York
The Swiss Consulate in New York accepts visa applications from residents of the states of New York (NY), Connecticut (CT), Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), Vermont (VT), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
All applications must be submitted in person, by appointment only. Please click on this link to obtain an appointment through the online appointment system.
The waiting time for an appointment may be up to5 weeks, especially during the high season in summer or during the holiday season. Applicants are therefore advised to book their appointments as early as possible.
Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco
The Swiss Consulate General in San Francisco accepts visa applications from residents ofAlaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Montana (MT), Nevada (NV), New Mexico (NM), Oregon (OR), Utah (UT), Washington (WA), Wyoming (WY)
All applications must be submitted in person, by appointment only.Please click on this link to obtain an appointment through the online appointment system.
Representation agreement
If a State does not have its proper visa section in a country or region, the delivery of a Schengen visa can be delegated to another Schengen State member with an agreement between both countries concerned.The agreement allows the appointed representation to represent and handle Schengen visa applications within its own competence without consulting the other represented State.
For more information, please click here.
Application procedure for urgent medical purposes (fast-track)
The appointment schedule and the checking process can be expedited for applications for entry into Switzerland for humanitarian or medical reasons (urgent medical treatment, serious accident, loss in the family, etc.). To enable the Swiss representation to evaluate the situation, submit the online form for an urgent appointment. The representation will inform you as soon as possible about the procedures to follow for the visa application.
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FAQs
Applying for a Switzerland Visa in the United States - Swiss Visa in the US? ›
Where and how to apply for a Swiss Visa in the US? Swiss consular services are available through its Embassy in Washington and Consulates in Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. All Swiss Missions in the United States, require that you schedule an appointment in order to apply for a visa.
How do I get a visa for Switzerland from the US? ›- Application form completed and signed. Application must be filled in with a blue pen. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Two photographs. ...
- Proof of residency. ...
- Proof of travel arrangements. ...
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland. ...
- Proof of sufficient means. ...
- Travel medical insurance document.
Please fill in and print your online application as well as book your appointment (if personal appearance is required) on the website: www.swiss-visa.ch. As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended.
Can I apply for Swiss-visa from another country? ›In addition, you will be permitted to file a Switzerland short-stay visa application at a Swiss Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if you are a: A citizen of the country from where you are applying. A foreign citizen on a permanent/temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.
Where to apply for a Swiss-visa? ›- directly at a Swiss representation abroad;
- by filling out the visa application online;
- at an external visa service provider;
- at the representation of another Schengen State (Please note that this is not possible in every case due to the pandemic).
Where to Apply for a U.S. Visa. You cannot apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa inside the U.S. Visas can only be obtained outside of the U.S. at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is advisable to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible.
Where can I get a Schengen visa in USA? ›To apply for a Schengen visa in the United States go to the VFS Global application centre in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco or Washington D.C. You can only submit an application there if you live in the United States.
Is Swiss tourist visa hard to get? ›Switzerland Tourist visa processing time
It will take at least 15 working days for your visa to process. However, in some cases, it could take longer, up to 30 days . So, plan well ahead of time.
It usually takes around two weeks or 15 days to process a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A.. It may - however - take as long as 30 or even 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
How much is visa from USA to Switzerland? ›| Category | Amount in USD |
|---|---|
| Adults (12 years old and older) | 88.00 |
| Children (6 - 11 years old) | 44.00 |
| Children (younger than 6 years old) | free |
| Spouses and children of Swiss and EU/EFTA nationals; CERN and UN personnel (official trips only); students who study in Switzerland for only up to 90 days | free |
Do I need a visa to go to Switzerland from us? ›
For US citizens, Switzerland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Is Swiss visa same as Schengen visa? ›Yes, Switzerland is the part of the Schengen area.
How do I apply for a visa if I am in another country? ›- Step 1: Find out if you need a visa to enter all countries you are traveling through. ...
- Step 2: Contact the U.S. consulate in the "third" country to investigate procedures. ...
- Step 3: Obtain and carry all the documents you may need to be issued a visa.
- Select Switzerland as your destination and complete your application.
- During the appointment section, select an appointment option that is most convenient for you.
- Select a date and location.
- Review your appointment details and finish your visa application.
Appointment system
Making an appointment is free of charge. The visa desk does not allow walk-ins. Each individual applicant requires an appointment.
Over 4,68,000 Switzerland Schengen Tourist visas were applied last year with a rejection rate of 5.2% .
Do you have to be in your home country to apply for a visa? ›In general, it is possible to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, including a B1/B2 travel visa, at any visa-issuing U.S. Embassy or consulate — technically, it's not a rule that the applicant can only apply from their home country.
Can you apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy? ›You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Can you do a visa run on the same day? ›There is no limited period of return. You can leave outside the country and return on the same day legally. Going to another country and returning to Thailand resets your run visa.
Do I need to apply for Schengen visa if I have US visa? ›The U.S, U.K, Canada or Australia resident permit holders and green card holders who are not citizens, and hold a passport from a state that does not have its own visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area, should apply for a Schengen Visa via the nearest consulate.
What is the fastest Schengen visa processing time? ›
When making travel plans to Schengen countries, it is important to consider the processing time for Schengen visas. Fastest Schengen Visa processing time: Less than 72 hours. Slowest Schengen Visa processing time: More than 15 days.
How do I get a visa for travel to Europe from USA? ›You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the main country you wish to visit, located in the US. Sometimes embassies outsource visa submission to the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country or third parties that offer visa services.
How long is the wait for Swiss visa? ›Typically, a Switzerland Visa (Schengen Visa) takes anywhere from 10 to 15 days to process in the Switzerland Embassy/Consulate.
How much does a Swiss visa cost? ›Rs. 6400 excluding the VFS charges and service fee. For children aged 6-12 years the visa cost to Switzerland is €40 or approx.
How long does it take to get visit visa for Switzerland? ›For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.
Can I get Schengen visa in 3 days? ›You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Which country gives fastest Schengen visa? ›Which Schengen Visa Has The Fastest Processing Time? The country with the fastest Schengen visa processing time is Lithuania. Places like Germany and France get many visa applications because they're very popular with tourists and business travelers.
Can we apply Schengen visa online? ›Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. All Schengen applicants are kindly requested to fill in the online application forms according to VIDEX format, which can be found above.
Can I go to Switzerland with US green card? ›Only persons who have a legal residence status in the United States can apply for visas at Swiss representations in the United States (e.g. Green Card holders; F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.). Tourists and visitors on B1/B2 visas must apply in their country of residence.
How do I pay my Schengen visa fee from USA? ›Most Schengen embassies in United States will accept payment in only cash, but some may take other forms of payment like credit cards. It's also important to remember that the fee is payable in United States dollar as per the current exchange rate.
Is Switzerland expensive for American tourists? ›
The cost to travel to Switzerland is a personal number that's entirely dependent on your budget and where you prioritise spending it. In total, you can expect to spend around $110 to $580 USD per person per day on a visit to Switzerland.
Can I visit Switzerland without Schengen visa? ›Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area*. If you have a visa issued by a Schengen member state, you generally do not require an additional tourist visa to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I enter Switzerland with a Schengen visa? ›A Schengen visa is valid for Switzerland and all other Schengen member states unless stated otherwise on the visa. Holders are permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can you enter Switzerland from USA? ›Country-Specific Information. There are currently no entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is required for entry into Switzerland. To verify which rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online «Travelcheck».
Can I enter Germany with Swiss visa? ›Can I travel to Germany with it? Yes, holders of a Schengen visa can stay for up to 90 days per period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area (see question 2) and thus also in Germany, provided this is covered by the permitted period of use of the visa.
What are the different types of Swiss visas? ›- Tourist and visitor visa. ...
- Swiss Schengen visa. ...
- Swiss national visa. ...
- Swiss transit visa.
You can also track your visa application status online Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your date of birth to access this service.
How long does it take to get a visa from another country? ›| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| F-2 visa | Few days to 2 weeks |
| J-1 visa | 1 to 4 months |
| Q-1 visa | 15 days to 3 months |
| M-1 visa | At least 4 weeks |
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide. If an establishment takes credit cards, it's a good bet that your Visa or Mastercard will work. American Express and Discover have an international presence, too, but they are accepted by fewer merchants.
How long does it take to get a visa to move to another country? ›Make a Timeline of Your Move
The whole visa process, from preparing your documents to applying for the visa and getting the visa, may take several months. However, after your visa is granted, most countries allow you 30 days until you enter the country.
How to get Schengen visa appointment easily? ›
Book a Schengen visa appointment in order to proceed with your application. Most countries give you a chance to book an appointment online. On the other hand, in others, you will need to book the appointment in person at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
How do I get an appointment slot for Schengen visa? ›...
Pay at Bank Mode:
- Passport Copy.
- Applicant's email address which needs to be used for booking an appointment.
- Applicant's phone number.
- Visa Category for which the appointment needs to be booked.
Walk In Without Appointment*
If you need to submit your visa application on an urgent basis, walk into our Visa Application Centre and opt for this service. VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
- Step 1: Determine the type of Switzerland Schengen visa you need to apply for.
- Step 2: Schedule your appointment online with VFS Global.
- Step 3: Prepare the required documents for your application. ...
- Step 4: Submit your application at VFS on your appointment date.
- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! ...
- Step 2 - Find the embassy nearest to you! ...
- Step 3 - Pay the non-refundable application fee. ...
- Step 4 - Schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
- Step 6 - Pick up your passport with visa.
Switzerland Tourist visa processing time
It will take at least 15 working days for your visa to process. However, in some cases, it could take longer, up to 30 days . So, plan well ahead of time.
Insufficient Means Of Funds
One of the reasons the embassy might refuse to give you a visa is lacking or insufficient proof of means of existence for the duration of stay in Switzerland. If you miss to possess enough funds in financial statements presented, you might face rejection.
An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
Do I need a visa to go to Switzerland from USA? ›For US citizens, Switzerland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Is Switzerland visa easy to get? ›Switzerland Tourist visa processing time
It will take at least 15 working days for your visa to process. However, in some cases, it could take longer, up to 30 days . So, plan well ahead of time.
How long does it take to get a Swiss visa? ›
Typically, a Switzerland Visa (Schengen Visa) takes anywhere from 10 to 15 days to process in the Switzerland Embassy/Consulate. The processing time for a Switzerland Visa is dependent on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion.
How long does it take to get a Swiss D visa? ›The application will be forwarded to the competent cantonal authorities in Switzerland for a decision. The Embassy of Switzerland can only issue the visa after approval by the competent authorities. The total processing time is approximately 8-12 weeks.
How much bank balance is required for Switzerland tourist visa? ›You must prove to the Swiss authorities you will be able to provide for yourself for the duration of your stay in Switzerland. You must have at least 100 CHF or €92.34 per day for every day you spend in Switzerland. If you are a student, the amount is lowered to 30 CHF or €27.70 a day.
What is the difference between Swiss visa and Schengen visa? ›The Switzerland long-stay visa is issued to third-country nationals who want to move to Switzerland to work, study or to be with family. As such, it is different from the Swiss Schengen Visa which only allows stays up to 90 days within a period of 6 months.