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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

COVID: Entry regulations for Switzerland

The COVID-19 situation is different in each country. Stay up to date with the latest requirements for entry and travel, and with local measures in your country of destination.

Further information can be found on the website of Federal Office of Public Health.

Federal Office of Public Health

For information related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) kindly consult the information and directives of the local authorities (www.ms.ro and www.mae.ro) and the recommendations of the World Health Organization WHO

The Travel Advice FDFA (in German, French and Italian) offers travelers basic information for travel preparation by informing on possible risks and certain precautions. They are to be considered as a complementary source of information.

For urgent requests, kindly contact the FDFA Helpline  (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365 / +41 58 465 33 33) or contact the Swiss representation in Bucharest.  

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Please note that as of December 3rd 2019 all applicants for Schengen Visas will have to fill out an application online and make an appointment directly online in order to submit their application at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bucharest.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

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.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 29.11.2022