Do I Need A Visa For Switzerland From Uk
The European Union (EU) recognises Switzerland as a country it has free movement agreements with – allowing EU citizens to move and live in Switzerland. Nationals from several other countries also have the same rights, but you must possess whatever documents these countries require to gain entry. For more information on whether you need a visa to enter Switzerland check out this article.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a large country with very diverse landscape, cultures and people. Switzerland is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. More than 15 million people visit this beautiful country every year.
As of March 9th 2016, Switzerland has a new requirement for UK passport holders who are entering Switzerland.
Do I Need A Visa For Switzerland From Uk
Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland
COVID-19: Travel rules to Switzerland
As of 2 May 2022 all remaining COVID-19 related entry restrictions for Switzerland have been lifted.
This means that all travellers from the UK, including non-vaccinated and non-recovered persons, will in principle be able to enter Switzerland and that the pre-pandemic entry rules for Switzerland apply once again. Please consult the FAQ on Entry from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for information about visas and travel documents, etc.
Important information for UK citizens and British Travel Document holders
UK citizens do not require an entry visa for Switzerland, neither for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen Area) nor for long stays (over 90 days). For information on the validity of travel documents of third-country nationals (non EU/EFTA citizens) see SEM FAQ – Entry, Question 3.13.
As of 1 January 2021 the application process and conditions to be fulfilled for Swiss residence, student and work permits for UK citizens have changed. All queries about obtaining the necessary permit for living, studying and working in Switzerland must be addressed directly to the responsible cantonal immigration and labour market authorities and not to this Embassy.
Holders of British Travel Documents (Convention of 28 July 1951 and Convention of 28 September 1954) do not need a visa for short stays in Switzerland up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you are planning on entering the Schengen Area through another Schengen state, please check with their respective authorities whether they have the same entry requirements.
| Visa type C (stay up to 90 days) | Book your appointment at the TLScontact application centre |
| Visa type D (stay of more than 90 days), national visa | Book your appointment at the Embassy of Switzerland |
Where to book your appointment
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.
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.
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.
