(V)

Third state members in possession of both a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa and a recognized travel document are exempt from visa requirements.

(V1)

Obligation to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation:

• in the primary or secondary construction industry and civil engineering, catering and hotel services, industrial and private cleaners, surveillance and security services, and erotic services;
• gainful occupation of any another kind, if such occupation exceeds 8 days within a calendar year

Exemption to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation:

• Holders of a longterm residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa, provided they also hold a recognized travel document

List of residence permits issued by Schengen member states 

(M: D, S, OP)

Holders of adiplomatic, service or an official passport are exempt from visa requirements if they wish to enter into Switzerland: on an official mission or for other travel purposes without exercising a gainful occupation. 

Other nationalities

For other nationalities, please refer to the list on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM – Overview of ID and visa provisions according to the nationality (Annex 1, List 1: nationality)

If you are obliged to hold a visa, please apply for it and refer to the information on the webpage:

Where to apply for a Schengen visa?

If you are not obliged to hold a visa, you are allowed to enter Switzerland resp. the Schengen territory and stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any visa.

Additional information

SEM – FAQ Frequently asked questions