Visa requirements to travel to Switzerland

Travelling to Switzerland, please read this useful visa information.

Since 12 December 2008 Switzerland is an associated member state of the Schengen agreement and hence part of the Schengen area. The Schengen regulations apply for the entry and a stay that is not subject to authorisation up to three months. For individuals who are required to hold a visa, Switzerland will issue Schengen visas for a stay up to three months that are valid for the whole Schengen area.  Foreign nationals require a valid and accepted travel document to enter Switzerland. In addition, a visa is required in certain cases. Furthermore, sufficient funds must be available or procurable by legal means to cover the cost of living during the transit through or the stay in Switzerland.

The Swiss Federal Office for Migration (FOM), the Swiss foreign missions and the cantonal migration authorities will gladly provide information on the principal conditions for entry to Switzerland. Further information can be found here.

An overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality (EU/EFTA and third countries) can be found here.

Invitation letters

If you require an invitation letter from SETAC to support your visa application please contact the SETAC Europe office. Note invitation letters can only be sent to delegates and speakers who have registered and paid their registration fees in advance. Delegates are strongly advised to check the processing time of their personal visa application as this depends on the visa office.